Ulcerative Colitis Surgery for a Healthy Life

A Life Health Group provides high-quality healthcare services in important treatments such as ulcerative colitis surgery, with its team specialized in gastroenterology and general surgery. Ulcerative colitis surgery is a surgical intervention applied in cases of ulcerative colitis that cause severe inflammation and damage.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and superficial ulcers on the intestinal lining. The disease usually presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the intestinal mucosa for unknown reasons, leading to chronic inflammation. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and changes in the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of the disease.

The course of the disease can vary from mild symptoms to severe flare-ups. In some patients, symptoms may subside periodically, while in others, it may remain continuously active. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation, severe bleeding, or increased risk of colon cancer.

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulatory medications, and biological agents. Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases. Nutritional regulation and lifestyle changes can help control symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Ulcerative Colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood. However, genetic factors, immune system disorders, and environmental influences are believed to play a role in its development.

Genetic Factors
Ulcerative colitis is more common in individuals with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Certain genetic variations are thought to contribute to the disease by causing abnormal immune system function.
Immune System Problems
Normally, the immune system protects the body against infections. In ulcerative colitis, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and the formation of ulcers. This is considered an autoimmune response.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also influence the onset and severity of the disease. These include:
- Dietary habits: Fast food, processed foods, and low-fiber diets may negatively affect the gut flora.
- Smoking and alcohol use: While Crohn’s disease is more common among smokers, the risk of ulcerative colitis is higher in non-smokers.
- Intestinal infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections can trigger the immune system and initiate the disease.
- Stress and psychological factors: Although not a direct cause, stress can trigger flare-ups and worsen the disease’s severity.

Each of these factors alone does not cause the disease, but they may trigger ulcerative colitis in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis can present with different symptoms depending on the severity of the disease and the affected area of the intestine. It typically follows a pattern of flare-ups (active periods) and remission (symptom-free periods).

Main Symptoms:

Chronic and bloody diarrhea: The most common symptom. Mucus and inflammation may also be present in the stool.
Abdominal pain and cramps: Usually caused by inflammation in the intestine.
Increased urge to defecate (tenesmus): Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying leading to frequent trips to the bathroom.
Weight loss: Due to prolonged diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Weakness and fatigue: Resulting from the body fighting inflammation and nutrient absorption problems.
Fever: May develop in severe cases as a result of systemic inflammation.

Extraintestinal Symptoms:
Ulcerative colitis can also cause problems outside the intestines, affecting other parts of the body:

Joint pain and inflammation (arthritis)
Skin rashes and sores
Eye inflammations (uveitis, scleritis)
Liver diseases

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Mild cases may only have intermittent diarrhea and abdominal pain, while severe cases can involve intestinal bleeding and significant weight loss.

Nutrition for ulcerative colitis patients is very important for managing symptoms. Each patient may react differently to various foods, but some general recommendations are as follows:

✅ Recommended Foods to Consume:

Low-fiber foods: Banana, white rice, mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables
Protein sources: Chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt
Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado
Plenty of water: Sufficient water intake is necessary to prevent fluid loss.

❌ Foods to Avoid:

Raw vegetables and legumes: May cause gas and bloating.
Milk and dairy products: May increase symptoms in patients with lactose intolerance.
Spicy and fatty foods: Can make digestion difficult.
Caffeine and alcohol: May irritate the intestines.

2. Stress Management
Stress can trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Therefore, stress management is very important.

Yoga and meditation: Provides mental and physical relaxation.
Breathing exercises: Helps reduce stress.
Psychological support: A therapist or support groups can be consulted if needed.

3. Exercise and Physical Activity

Low-intensity exercises like light walking, swimming, and pilates support bowel health.
Avoid overly strenuous exercise.

4. Regular Doctor Check-ups

Regular colonoscopy and biochemical tests should be performed to monitor disease progression.
Side effects of medications should be monitored.

5. Social and Psychological Support

Living with chronic diseases can be challenging at times. Communicating with family, friends, and support groups can provide psychological relief.
Sharing experiences with other individuals living with ulcerative colitis can be beneficial.

Conclusion:
Living with ulcerative colitis can become quite comfortable when managed with discipline. The disease can be kept under control through nutrition, stress management, and regular follow-ups.