Inflammatory bowel disease: a practical experience.

Dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in family practice presents both challenges and satisfactions. A series of case reports taken from practice demonstrates that the family doctor can play an integral part in both the recognition of this disease and its management. One must be aware of the possibility of this condition and be willing to persevere in following and investigating cases where this diagnosis is suspected. One must also be prepared to play a central role in the ongoing care, in working with a group of consultants, and in providing the necessary emotional support to the patient and his family.