Book excerpt: Minimal access technology has experienced an accelerated growth since its introduction into the field of diagnostic and therapeutic surgery over two decades ago. The progressive amalgamation of science and technology has lead to its ever-increasing applications in general surgery for increasingly complex procedures. Although sufficient educational material is available on minimal access surgery as textbooks and graphic atlases, here a ready reference guide in the form of surgical updates comes in handy to stay abreast with what’s new. This edition of minimal access surgery in gastrointestinal diseases is a conscientious effort by its dedicated contributors, some of the most capable persons in the field of minimal access gastrointestinal surgery. The contents of this ECAB series include topics which involve a degree of controversy and therefore are likely to be of immense help to surgical residents and practicing surgeons facing such dilemmas. The collective wisdom of these specialists is intended to yield safe and improved outcomes in the concerned patient.