Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents multi-system disease of Idiopathic origin. Much has changed about these two chronic disorders over the last 2 decades. This disease has a world wide distribution and spare no Race, Ethnic or social groups. The Physicians have been able to efficiently treat these disorders and definitely improve the quality of life of afflicted individuals.

The Major forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The very existence of IBD in 1960s was doubted in India; however, in 1970s, there was acceptance of IBD in India. In 1980s and 1990s, we all documented a definite existence of IBD in India. Now in the new millennium, there has been a virtual epidemic of IBD in India.

In this issue, we have tried to present an updated guide to IBD covered by highly experienced Gastroenterologists from India and Abroad in this field. Because the IBD issues are wide ranging, every aspect of IBD could not be covered in this issue. The important IBD issues related to Pregnancy and Extra-Intestinal organ involvement have been discussed. The basic information on clinical features, differential diagnosis and endoscopic features have been incorporated. Apart from the conventional medical therapy, I have tried to project new breakthroughs in Biologic therapy in IBD as well. It will also make an interesting reading on the factors involving relapse of the disease and new insights on Probiotics and Prebiotics in IBD therapy. Dr. Naresh Bhat has given Clinicians Perspective to differentiate Tuberculosis from Crohn’s Disease, particularly so very relevant to our country. Small bowel studies in Crohn’s Disease by capsule endoscopy which adds to the new armamentarium of clinicians. I have tried to give the present scenario on use of capsule endoscopy.

I am deeply indebted to my Contributor Colleagues for providing timely articles and do hope that the information imparted will be of great help to the readers.

I am extremely grateful to Dr. RJ Mehta and Ms. Smita Gaglani for painstaking compilation and proof reading of these articles.