Colectomy disparities ‘not uniform’ in ulcerative colitis; Black patients, women lag behind

Summary: A recent study shows a major gap in who gets surgery for severe ulcerative colitis. While surgery is often the best treatment when medicines stop working, not everyone has equal access. Black, Hispanic, and female patients are much less likely to get this surgery compared to white men.

Income and insurance also play a huge role. People with private insurance or who live in higher-income areas get the surgery almost twice as often as those on Medicare. Doctors say this proves we need to fix the system so that everyone, no matter their race, gender, or paycheck, can get the care they need.

Source: Healio URL: healio.com/news/gastroenterology/20260507/colectomy-disparities-not-uniform-in-ulcerative-colitis-black-patients-women-lag-behind (opens in new tab)