Perioperative management of biologic agents in ulcerative colitis

Abstract

As biologics have become the cornerstone of medical management for ulcerative colitis, an increasing number of surgical candidates have been recently exposed to biologic therapy. Evidence regarding the impact of biologic therapy on postoperative outcomes remains controversial. Data comes largely from retrospective single-center databases which are limited by significant interstudy heterogeneity. Although some debate remains, it is imperative that surgeons have an understanding of how to best manage biologic therapy in the perioperative period, and potentially adjust their surgical approach in order to optimize postoperative outcomes.