Clinical course and complications of ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis

Abstract

The nature of UC has changed dramatically over the past five decades. Although the presentation of the disease has remained the same, the impact of the introduction of therapies such as corticosteroids and the aminosalicylates has changed the clinical course of the disease. The course of treated UC offers patients and physicians a much more optimistic out-look than that documented in earlier studies. The advances in medical therapy have been complemented by refinement of surgical techniques, which have improved the quality of life and gained patient acceptance. The new millennium will bring further promise to patients and to those of us who care for these patients. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.