The majority of patients with ulcerative colitis can be managed satisfactorily throughout their lives by medical treatment, but a minority require colectomy. In severe attacks, emergency surgery is often required to save the patient's life. In chronic disease not responding well to medical treatment, elective colectomy will restore the patient to good health. Colectomy is also necessary for certain local complications, such as cancer, severe fistulas, and strictures. Prophylactic colectomy is indicated in patients with long-standing disease in whom there are factors associated with a high risk of developing cancer of the large bowel. For all these indications, it is our opinion that single-stage proctocolectomy is the operation of choice in the great majority of patients. Finally, we consider that the best results are obtained when the physician and the surgeon work together in the closest possible cooperation.

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