Back to basics.

The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract originated as the Society for Colon Surgery. Therefore, it is appropriate that the dramatic developments in colorectal surgery that have occurred during the life of the Society should be emphasized. Major technical advances are identified as ileoanal anastomoses, colonoscopy, and EEA staplers. Although control of cancer remains a major problem, recent trends in the education and agenda of colorectal surgeons promise a bright future.