If the colitis hasn’t ulcerated yet or the ulcerative colitis is very mild, then specially-formulated drugs may be prescribed to reduce colon inflammation. Medication may also be prescribed to manage the symptoms.
However, if your condition is severe, then surgery may be the best option. Our surgeons, led by Dr. Howard Kaufman, specialize in proctocolectomy – the surgical removal of the rectum and the colon’s diseased parts.
We are one of the premier surgical facilities in the San Gabriel Valley to specialize in robotic surgery. Our minimally-invasive procedures ensure that the incision is small, no extensive cutting is done, the healing time is short and scars are inconspicuous.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. After removing the inflamed and ulcerated parts of the colon and rectum, we may do one of the following to help you with bowel movement:
- Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis
A part of the ileum (the final section of the small intestine) is resected and used to create a pouch, which is attached to the end of the colon. The fecal matter from the colon is deposited in this pouch and from here, it moves to the anus for defecation.
- Ileostomy
Here, a small opening called “stoma” is created on the abdomen. This opening is connected to the ileum and fecal matter comes out of this stoma. You will wear a bag to collect the fecal matter, and the bag can be changed after each bowel movement.
If you have any queries about our procedure, feel free to contact us today.