Despite the fact that a prognosis in 1991 predicted a surplus of ten gastroenterological surgeons in 1994, several hospitals are now experiencing a lack of applicants. In order to define the scope of this problem, the Norwegian Gastroenterological Society and The Specialty Committee for Gastroenterological Surgery sent a questionnaire and made a telephone query to all Norwegian Surgical Departments in autumn 1995. There were 21 vacant posts and 27 specialists are still needed to carry out the tasks the hospitals are instructed to perform. An initiative must be taken to increase the capacity and geographical distribution of the education and improve the working conditions, and thereby job satisfaction, of gastroenterological surgeons.