Ulcerative Colitis Surgery in Los Angeles

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to persistent inflammation, ulceration, and debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. While many patients achieve good control with medication, some experience severe inflammation, complications, or a decline in quality of life that makes surgery the most effective long-term solution.

Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go during flare cycles. Common signs include:

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  Persistent diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
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  Abdominal pain or cramping
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  Urgency or difficulty holding bowel movements
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  Weight loss
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  Fatigue
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  Anemia
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  Fever during severe flare-ups
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  Complications such as dysplasia, strictures, or toxic megacolon

How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?

Initial UC treatment relies on medications such as small molecules, biologics, immunomodulators, and anti-inflammatory agents. When symptoms persist despite comprehensive medical therapy, surgery offers the most definitive option.

Surgical treatment focuses on removing diseased tissue, restoring intestinal continuity, alleviating symptoms, and improving long-term quality of life.

What to Expect During Ulcerative Colitis Surgery

FAQs About Ulcerative Colitis

Where to Find the Best Ulcerative Colitis Surgeon in Los Angeles

Living with ulcerative colitis is overwhelming, uncomfortable, and frustrating, but expert surgical care can restore comfort, function, and long-term stability. Dr. Karen Zaghiyan is celebrated as the best ulcerative colitis surgeon in Los Angeles for her commitment to advanced robotic surgery, meticulous technique, practice-changing research and innovations, and deeply personalized care. She is considered a key opinion leader on inflammatory bowel disease surgery and J-pouch surgery, and is respected among colleagues for her innovations in transanal pouch surgery, single-incision approaches, and perioperative management strategies to optimize surgical outcomes.

Patients rely on her not only for exceptional surgical expertise but also for her dedication to helping individuals reclaim their lives after years of flare-ups, complications, or medication failures. Whether you’re exploring surgery for the first time or seeking a higher level of care, you’ll receive thoughtful guidance and a clear path forward.