ABSTRACT
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the colon mucosa, the rectum being affected in 95% of cases. Toxic megacolon is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate, which arises as a complication of ulcerative colitis, Crohns colitis, salmonellosis-associated colitis, ischemic colitis, or C. Medical treatment includes correction of electrolyte disturbances, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids, and preparation for imminent surgery should be considered. Severe rectal bleeding in UC is rare; however, it accounts for about 10% of all emergency colectomies performed in individuals diagnosed with UC. Colorectal cancer in UC does not follow the adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence, because it derives from flat intestinal mucosa. Free perforation with purulent or fecal peritonitis development is a rare complication in CD patients and usually occurs near the stricture area.
