[Surgical approach is toxic colitis]

Toxic colitis is still a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Mortality rates depend on the severity of the disease and range from 2% to 30%. Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary and structured therapeutic steps from conservative to operative treatment seem to be most effective. The surgical option for toxic colitis usually is subtotal colectomy with closure of the rectal stump or mucus fistula and ileostomy. This procedure allows the reconstructive operation later on. In selected cases and suitable situations a primary colectomy with ilealpouch are also possible depending on local and general effects.