Operative indications and options in ulcerative colitis

For decades, surgery has been a dependable mainstay in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, particularly for ulcerative colitis. Surgical techniques and approaches have evolved over time, but the ultimate goals of surgery for ulcerative colitis have remained constant: that is, to alleviate symptoms and mitigate cancer risk while achieving the highest possible quality of life. A structured surgical approach to the patient with ulcerative colitis is required whereby the complexities of surgical decision-making and several commonly debated topics must be considered.