There is no cure for UC, but receiving appropriate care from a gastroenterologist and medications can help manage symptoms. Medications containing 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) are the first-line treatment. If 5-ASA medications fail, immunosuppressants, including a multitude of newer antibody medications, or corticosteroids may be given.
In severe cases, surgically removing parts or all of the large intestine may be necessary. If the entire large intestine must be removed, most people prefer to have a restorative proctocolectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (RPC-IPAA) procedure, which involves removing the rectum as well as the large intestine, and creating a pouch from the small intestine that attaches to the anus to allow normal defecation. If a person's anal sphincter function is poor, the small intestine may be routed outside the body, where stool is collected with a small pouch.[1]