Ulcerative Colitis : Gross Pathology

A colectomy specimen from a patient with fulminant ulcerative colitis. The inflamed mucosa is hyperemic and shows hemorrhage, irregular ulcers as well as pseudopolyps. About one-third of patients end up requiring colectomy within first 3 years of diagnosis to control gastrointestinal symptoms such as blood diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain.