[Long-term therapy in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease]

The remission period of patients with ulcerative colitis was extended by long term treatment with 2-3 g sulphasalazine daily. Proctocolectomy should be performed if no remission can be obtained on continued medical therapy. Moreover, in these cases the operation is suggested to avoid the unwanted side effects of the drugs and the increased risk of cancer.