World-renowned clinicians provide a comprehensive yet concise overview of the myriad of issues surrounding inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Writing in a language accessible to those both within and without the medical community, these experienced physicians fully explain what IBD is, why it does what it does, how to treat it, and when it is necessary to proceed to surgery or advanced therapy. They also elucidate the pathophysiology of the diseases, review the successes and failures of different therapies, and describe the impact of these diseases on patients, families, and the health care system.