[Ulcerative colitis and granulomatous enteritis (author's transl)]

Radical operative treatment of ulcerative colitis and regional granulomatous enteritis leads to satisfactory short-term results. The high mortality of one-stage proctocolectomy in the acute case can be markedly reduced by a staged operation. The same applies for surgery in toxic megacolon. Preservation of continence in ulcerative colitis is rarely possible without endangering long-term results. Chances of evading life-long ileostoma in granulomatous enteritis are very much better. The prominent ileostoma represents a great step forwards. Conservatively treated patients with ulcerative colitis are by no means free from the risk of dangerous complications. 10% had to undergo surgery in the end and only 36% were symptom-free according to their own evaluation. Out of patients with ulcerative colitis treated with procto-colectomy and ileostoma 75% were completely symptom-free. Patients with symptoms had not obtained a prominent ileostoma or it was unsuccessful. Acute ileitis should not be treated operatively. Surgical treatment of chronic granulomatous enteritis need seldom be urgently performed and should be carefully evaluated. Late mortality in operated patients occurs only in the young, in a small percentage due to relapse.