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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2010; 23(4): 274-284
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268254
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Management of Acute Colitis and Toxic Megacolon

Scott A. Strong1
  • 1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 December 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Severe colitis is a well-defined condition that can develop in patients afflicted with ulcerative colitis, but typically responds to a variety of medical therapies. Operative intervention is warranted when massive hemorrhage, perforation, or peritonitis complicates the clinical scenario or medical therapy fails to control the disease. Of the operative options, total/subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy is the usual procedure of choice especially if the operation can be performed through a laparoscopic approach.

KEYWORDS

Ulcerative colitis - toxic colitis - acute colitis - total colectomy - ileostomy

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Scott A StrongM.D. 

Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic

9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195

Email: strongs@ccf.org