Every year the world's leading specialists in gastroenterology meet to discuss the latest clinical and therapeutic progress in their area of expertise. The theme chosen for the 2004 conference, which was held in Prague on 25 and 26 September was "Recent Progress in the Treatment of Benign Gastro-intestinal Disorders". The 2004 publication will cover five topics: the oesophagus, bile and pancreatic disorders, basic principles of gastrointestinal disorders, stomach upsets in medical practice and gastrointestinal infections.