title: Ulcerative colitis: surgical indications and alternatives.
abstract: Ulcerative colitis is a surgically curable mucosal disease of the colon and rectum. Optimal management of this chronic condition requires close coordination between the patient, surgeon, and primary care provider or gastroenterologist. Knowledge of surgical indications and the operative alternatives available helps to individualize therapy. Acute and chronic indications for surgery and the five surgical methods currently in use are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, LA 70121.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Gathright
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative; D012307:Risk Factors