Journal of Crohn's & colitis
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The objective of this study was to examine the modulating effect of an appendectomy on the disease course of therapy-refractory ulcerative colitis [UC] patients, and to analyse appendiceal pathological characteristics predictive of pathological response. ⋯ Appendectomy was effective in one-third of therapy-refractory UC patients, with a substantial proportion of patients demonstrating complete endoscopic remission after 1 year. Pathological response was seen in almost 50% of patients and was related to active inflammation in the appendix, limited disease, and shorter disease duration. These early results suggest that there is a UC patient group that may benefit from appendectomy.