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BACKGROUND


Complications


Complications of UC include profuse bleeding from deep ulcerations, perforation (rupture) of the bowel, or simply failure to respond appropriately to the usual medical treatments.


Another complication is severe abdominal distension. A mild degree of distention is common in individuals without any intestinal disease and is somewhat more common in people with UC. However, if the distention is severe or of sudden onset, and if it is associated with active UC, fever, and constipation, a physician may suspect toxic megacolon. This is a rare development that is produced by severe inflammation of the entire thickness of the colon, with weakening and ballooning of its wall. The dilated colon is then at risk of rupturing. Treatment is aimed at controlling the inflammatory reaction and restoring losses of fluid, salts, and blood. If there is no rapid improvement, surgery may become necessary to avoid rupture of the bowel.


As with CD, risk of colorectal cancer is a potential complication of longstanding UC.


THE IMPACT OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN CANADA 23


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