The enormous increase in theoretical knowledge and technical possibilities in general surgery has led to differentiation and subspecialization. Gastrointestinal surgery is now recognized as a distinguished area of specific interest within the field of general surgery. It covers the surgical diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the digestive tract, including liver and pancreas. Most gastrointestinal diseases require a multidisciplinary approach in which the gastroenterologist and the gastrointestinal surgeon are key figures. This Journal is planning a series of articles highlighting the recent developments and current state of the art of gastrointestinal surgery, with special emphasis on the close connection with gastroenterology.