Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly with the identification of the first gene mutation associated with Crohn's disease; the treatment arsenal has also been expanded, and some new developments have been seen with regard to diagnosis as well. The importance of endoscopic features in relation to the prognosis has been extensively studied. New ultrasound techniques and magnetic resonance-based imaging are on the verge of modifying the diagnostic approach, particularly during follow-up in Crohn's disease of the small bowel. By contrast, virtual colonoscopy using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging does not appear to be of much help. However, the development of these new techniques is continuing rapidly, and an explosion of new information may be expected in the coming years.