Ulcerative colitis surgery is performed on approximately 25% to 40% of people with the disease. There are various types of ulcerative colitis. Complications of the surgery include pouch failure, intestinal blockage from adhesions, inflammation of the pouch, and more watery and frequent bowel movements. Read more: Ulcerative Colitis Surgery Article

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Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment, Causes See Slideshow

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Stool Color, Changes, Texture and Form

Stool color changes can very from green, red, maroon, yellow, white, or black. Causes of changes of stool color can range from foods a person eats, medication, diseases or conditions, pregnancy, cancer, or tumors. Stool can also have texture changes such as greasy or floating stools. Stool that has a uncharacteristically foul odor may be caused by infections such as giardiasis or medical conditions.
Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
Anemia

Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
7 Reasons You Are Tired After Surgery

Postsurgical fatigue is normal and is due to a variety of factors. Depression, stress, and anxiety may produce fatigue. Sleep deficits, certain medications, anemia, blood loss, fasting, and loss of electrolytes and minerals associated with surgery can also produce fatigue. Exercise, physical exertion, aging, and the overall health status of patients are additional factors that play a role in making people feel tired after surgery.
Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan

An ulcerative colitis diet plan can help a person with the disease avoid foods and drinks that trigger flares. There also are foods that can soothe ulcerative colitis symptoms during a flare. Types of ulcerative colitis plans include a high-calorie diet, a lactose-free diet, a low-fat diet, a low-fiber diet (low-residue diet), or a low-salt diet. Self-management of ulcerative colitis using healthy lifestyle habits and a nutrient rich diet can be effective in management of the disease. Learn what foods to avoid that aggravate, and what foods help symptoms of the disease and increase bowel inflammation.
Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)

Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer) is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers, develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to Crohn's disease, and together they are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment depends upon the type of ulcerative colitis diagnosed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The intestinal complications of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis differ because of the characteristically dissimilar behaviors of the intestinal inflammation in these two diseases.
Crohn's Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are diseases that cause inflammation of part of or the entire digestive tract (GI). Crohn's affects the entire GI tract (from the mouth to the anus), while ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis only affects the large and small intestine and ilium. Researchers do not know the exact cause of either disease. About 20% of people with Crohn's disease also have a family member with the disease. Researchers believe that certain factors may play a role in causing UC. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are a type of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both have similar symptoms and signs, for example, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, episodic and/or persistent diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, joint pain and soreness, eye redness, or pain. Symptoms unique to Crohn’s disease include anemia and skin changes. Symptoms of unique to ulcerative colitis include certain rashes, and an urgency to defecate (have a bowel movement). Doctors diagnose both diseases with similar tests and procedures. While there is no cure for either disease, doctors and other health care professionals can help you treat disease flares, and manage your Crohn's or ulcerative colitis with medication, diet, nutritional supplements, and/or surgery.
When Do You Need Hospitalization for Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can be life-threatening when the symptoms flare up. You need ulcerative colitis hospitalization if you have more than six bowel movements per day, blood in your stool, high temperature and heart rate, and severe abdominal pain.
How Long Does an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up Last?

An ulcerative colitis flare-up can last a few days or a few weeks and then be followed by a remission that lasts for months or even years. How long a flare-up lasts depends on the severity of the disease, triggers, and medication compliance.
Is Bright Red Blood in the Stool Serious?

The presence of blood in the stool needs to be evaluated by your doctor. In most cases, the bright red blood in stools is not an immediate threat to life. The most common causes are piles, anal polyps, anal fissures and colitis (inflammation of the large bowel).
What Does Your Stool Look Like With Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that involves the inner lining of the large bowel. It causes abdominal pain and bleeds due to erosions and ulcers all over the large intestine and rectum.
Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered to be an autoimmune disease. With autoimmune disorders, your immune system goes awry and attacks your own body instead of defending it from infections and illnesses.
Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Healed?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. While there's no known ulcerative colitis cure, treatment can help you manage your symptoms and let you lead a full life.
What Foods Trigger Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (or inflammatory bowel disease) is a difficult condition to live with. Foods that trigger ulcerative colitis include raw green vegetables, lactose, sugar alcohol, caffeine, alcohol, whole grains, and foods high in fat.
Is Ulcerative Colitis Curable?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (large bowel or colon) leading to erosion and ulcers. It is also associated with various manifestations outside of the colon, such as inflammation of the eyes, joints, skin, and lungs. Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong illness with no specific cause or cure. Patients have repeated cycles of flare-ups and disappearance of the disease.
Colon Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells metastasize to other parts of the body. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy (along with digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing) are both effective at preventing colo-rectal cancers and detecting early colo-rectal cancers.
What Are the First Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

The first symptoms and signs of ulcerative colitis (UC) may include persistent diarrhea, loose or bloody stools, cramp-like abdominal pain, and general feelings of being unwell, bloated, or constipated.
Is Pancolitis the Same as Ulcerative Colitis?

Pancolitis is a form of ulcerative colitis (UC) that inflames the entire large intestine. Living with pancolitis often requires medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
How Do I Know if My Ulcerative Colitis Is Flaring?

Ulcerative colitis happens when irritation and open sores appear in the large intestine. You know ulcerative colitis is flaring if you experience bloody stools, nausea and vomiting, frequent bowel movements, and other symptoms.
What Is the Best Diet for Someone With Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition in which your colon and rectum are often inflamed. The best diet for someone with ulcerative colitis is one that includes lean protein, low-fiber fruit, refined grains, cooked vegetables, probiotic-rich foods, and calcium-rich foods.
Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Cured With Surgery?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon (the large bowel) characterized by frequent bloody diarrhea (10-30 episodes) throughout the day. Medicines can only reduce the intensity of its symptoms and surgery is the only option to cure it.
How Serious Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease with constant periods of flare-ups and remissions (periods without symptoms, which may last for weeks or years). Presently, there is no permanent medical cure for it, but there are various medications that can provide symptomatic relief, reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups.
How Do You Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes blood stool, diarrhea, rectal pain, and other symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests.
What Happens When You Have Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that mainly manifests as intestinal ulcers. The ulcers may result in bleeding and cause bloody stools. Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia.

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Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/23/2012

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Related Resources on Ulcerative Colitis Surgery

SLIDESHOW

Related Disease Conditions

Stool Color, Changes, Texture and Form

Diarrhea

Anemia

Abdominal Pain

7 Reasons You Are Tired After Surgery

Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan

Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)

Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Crohn's Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis

When Do You Need Hospitalization for Ulcerative Colitis?

How Long Does an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up Last?

Is Bright Red Blood in the Stool Serious?

What Does Your Stool Look Like With Ulcerative Colitis?

Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?

Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Healed?

What Foods Trigger Ulcerative Colitis?

Is Ulcerative Colitis Curable?

Colon Cancer Prevention

What Are the First Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

Is Pancolitis the Same as Ulcerative Colitis?

How Do I Know if My Ulcerative Colitis Is Flaring?

What Is the Best Diet for Someone With Ulcerative Colitis?

Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Cured With Surgery?

How Serious Is Ulcerative Colitis?

How Do You Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?

What Happens When You Have Ulcerative Colitis?