Surgical care for ulcerative colitis, balancing medication and surgery

Ulcerative Colitis and Vedolizumab: What You Need to Know About Surgical Outcomes

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness May 2025 • 3 min read.

"A comprehensive look at the safety of vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis patients undergoing surgery, including risks, benefits, and factors to consider."

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While medication can help manage symptoms, nearly a third of individuals with UC may eventually require surgery to remove the colon.

Vedolizumab has emerged as a popular and effective treatment option for UC. However, questions remain about its safety when surgery is necessary. Specifically, there is concern about whether vedolizumab increases the risk of post-operative complications, such as infections or problems with the surgically created pouch.

This article examines the current research on vedolizumab and surgical outcomes in UC patients. We'll explore potential risks and benefits, offering a balanced perspective to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Is Vedolizumab Safe Before Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis?

Surgical care for ulcerative colitis, balancing medication and surgery

A recent study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases investigated the surgical outcomes of UC patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of their operation. The researchers compared these patients to those treated with anti-TNFa medications, another class of biologics commonly used for UC.

The study revealed some important differences between the two groups:

Superficial Surgical Site Infections: Patients receiving vedolizumab had a higher rate of superficial surgical site infections (SSI).
Mucocutaneous Separation: There was also a greater incidence of mucocutaneous separation at the ileostomy site in the vedolizumab group.
Overall Infectious Complications: Importantly, the study found no significant difference in the overall surgical infectious complication rate, deep space SSI, 30-day hospital readmission, or return to the operating room between the two groups.

While the study indicated an increased risk of superficial infections with vedolizumab, it's crucial to understand that these were primarily superficial and did not translate into more severe complications. This information is reassuring, but it also highlights the need for vigilance and close monitoring after surgery.

Making Informed Decisions About Your UC Care

The study provides valuable insights into the safety of vedolizumab in the perioperative period for UC patients. While there may be a slightly increased risk of superficial surgical site infections, the overall risk of infectious complications does not appear to be significantly elevated. However, the decision to continue or discontinue vedolizumab before surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare team, considering your individual risk factors and disease severity.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is triple-negative breast cancer, and why is it so difficult to treat?

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, accounting for roughly 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses worldwide. It is termed triple-negative because it lacks the estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, which are common targets for hormone therapies. The absence of these receptors makes TNBC difficult to treat with traditional methods, leading to poorer patient outcomes. This context underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches to combat this challenging disease.

What is TCCP, and how does it relate to the treatment of TNBC?

TCCP, or Bis(2-ethyl hexyl) 1H-pyrrole-3,4-dicarboxylate, is a pyrrole-based molecule derived from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia. In the context of TNBC treatment, TCCP shows promise due to its ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. It achieves this through multiple mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial damage, caspase activation, and the restoration of p53 activity. This multi-faceted approach makes TCCP a potential candidate for developing effective therapies against TNBC.

How does TCCP work to destroy triple-negative breast cancer cells?

TCCP induces apoptosis in TNBC cells through several key steps. First, it increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Second, it elevates intracellular calcium levels, disrupting normal cell signaling. Third, TCCP damages the mitochondria, disrupting their function and triggering the release of cytochrome c. Fourth, the released cytochrome c activates caspases, leading to DNA fragmentation and cell death. Finally, TCCP restores the activity of the p53 protein, a tumor suppressor that promotes apoptosis. These combined effects overwhelm the cancer cells, leading to their programmed death.

Why is the restoration of p53 activity important in the context of TCCP and TNBC?

The p53 protein is a crucial tumor suppressor often inactive or mutated in cancer cells. TCCPs ability to restore p53 activity is significant because it reactivates a key mechanism for controlling tumor growth. Activated p53 promotes apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth, effectively helping the body eliminate cancerous cells. This restoration of p53 activity is a critical aspect of TCCPs potential as a TNBC treatment, as it allows the compound to target a fundamental pathway for suppressing cancer development.

What are the next steps in the research and development of TCCP as a cancer treatment?

While TCCPs potential in TNBC treatment is promising, it is important to remember that research is still in its early stages. Further studies are needed to fully understand TCCPs effects, optimize its use, and evaluate its safety in humans. However, the potential of TCCP to target TNBC through multiple mechanisms offers a new avenue for developing effective and less toxic treatments. The development of TCCP and similar natural compounds could play a significant role in improving outcomes for individuals facing this challenging disease.