This volume details the proceedings of the Falk Symposium number 122 on "Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Clinical Case Approach to Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment", held in Bologna, Italy, on June 22-23, 2001. It deals with some major issues concerning genetics of IBD, pediatrics in IBD, early versus late IBD, bacteria and gut inflammation, refractory CD, fistulizing CD, refractory distal colitis and complications of ileal-pouch anastomosis. The main aim of the meeting was to highlight the value of an integrated clinical approach and the importance of clinical research in developing innovative methods of treatment.
