the third edition of this popular book has acquired new authors who bridge the atlantic. every chapter has been comprehensively revised, images updated and management algorithms renewed to accommodate the many diagnostic and therapeutic advances of the past 5 years.it will appeal to european and american trainees in gastro, but also to general physicians, house officers, specialist nurses and physician assistants. it is above all a practical book, focused on both patient care and clinical care.three of the authors are international authorities in their respective fields and the fourth maintains the tradition established by the first edition of authorship by a clinical fellow, for whim the book is intended.