CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Ulcerative Colitis
A chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum in which the inner lining develops ulcers and inflammation — causing recurrent bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, and fatigue.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum, causing continuous inflammation and ulceration. It typically presents in young adults but can occur at any age, with periods of flare-ups followed by remission. Common symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, urgency to pass stools, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes joint, eye or skin involvement. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to result from an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. Most patients are managed with medications, but a subset with severe disease, complications, dysplasia, or medication failure may need surgery. Surgery in UC is potentially curative as the disease is limited to the colon. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers comprehensive surgical care for UC at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Abnormal immune response affecting the colon lining
- Genetic predisposition and family history of IBD
- Environmental triggers and gut microbial imbalance
- Use of certain medications such as NSAIDs
- Smoking cessation in some patients
- Stress and dietary factors as flare triggers
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Proctitis, Left-sided colitis or Pancolitis — based on extent of involvement.
Total Proctocolectomy with IPAA (J-Pouch), Subtotal Colectomy, Total Proctocolectomy with End Ileostomy.
Severe disease, complications, dysplasia, or failure of medical therapy.
Surgery can be curative as the disease is limited to the colon and rectum.
Most patients return to routine activities within 6–8 weeks of surgery.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Total Proctocolectomy with IPAA (J-Pouch)
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs total proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (J-pouch) — the gold-standard curative surgery for ulcerative colitis. The diseased colon and rectum are removed and a pouch made from the small intestine is connected to the anus, allowing patients to pass stools normally without a permanent stoma.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree reviews colonoscopy and biopsy reports, evaluates disease severity, nutritional status, and discusses surgical options in detail.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Based on disease extent, urgency and patient fitness, the appropriate procedure is planned — often performed in stages for severe or emergency cases.
- 3
Procedure
Surgery is performed laparoscopically when possible. The diseased colon and rectum are removed, and a J-pouch or end ileostomy is created.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Hospital stay is typically 5–7 days. Recovery includes nutritional support, gradual return to activity, and long-term follow-up to maintain pouch function.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Total Proctocolectomy with IPAA (J-Pouch)
Curative surgery removing the entire colon and rectum, with a pouch created from the small intestine connected to the anus — preserves stool passage.
Subtotal Colectomy
Removal of most of the colon — often performed first in severe acute UC, with reconstruction planned later as a staged approach.
Total Proctocolectomy with End Ileostomy
Complete removal of the colon and rectum with a permanent ileostomy — chosen when J-pouch is not suitable due to age, sphincter weakness or other factors.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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