Ulcerative Colitis

Excerpt

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the colon that results in diffuse friability and superficial erosions on the colonic wall associated with bleeding. It is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease worldwide. It characteristically involves inflammation restricted to the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. Typically, the disease starts in the rectum and extends proximally in a continuous manner. In the United States, the disease accounts for a quarter-million provider visits annually, and medical costs directly related to the disease are estimated to exceed four billion dollars annually. Ulcerative has no cure and is a lifelong disorder with a significant impact on both physical and mental health.