The Prognosis of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis in Children

Abstract

THE controversy concerning the treatment for chronic ulcerative colitis has never ended. The question whether surgical or medical management prolongs these patients' lives with greater certainty has never been answered. The problem is particularly difficult in children. Complete colectomy is a formidable procedure, and problems associated with permanent ileostomy are often difficult. There is also the very real hazard that complicating carcinoma may develop, and in addition the survival period from the disease is variable.In 1959 Rosenqvist and his associates¹ reported their experience with 150 cases of chronic ulcerative colitis in their pediatric department. They stated that cancer of . . .