During the past year, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were once again the focus of attention. Several reports on pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were published. In this review, several aspects of pouch function and its determinants have been discussed. The results of strictureplasties for Crohn's strictures are described. The difficulty in diagnosis of small bowel tumors is highlighted. Finally, the effect of the myenteric plexus on intestinal morphology and the management of total aganglionosis are discussed.