Current management of inflammatory bowel disease

Since the etiology and cure for inflammatory bowel disease remain elusive, treatment is still largely empiric. The major goals of therapy include control of bowel inflammation and alleviation of symptoms. Careful attention must be directed toward special problems when appropriate, such as short bowel syndrome, perianal disease, extraintestinal disease manifestations, and cancer surveillance. Standard and new forms of medical therapy and the approach to special problems will be discussed.