The present invention relates to methods of preventing or reducing the need of colectomy. In particular, the present invention relates to an oligonucleotide, for use in the treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease, in a subject that is refractory or responds insufficiently or is intolerant to anti-inflammatory therapy, wherein said oligonucleotide is repetitively administered as a single exposure.