It is a pleasure to welcome you to Verbier
and the 13th International Colorectal Forum.
We are back in the Cinema again as this is such a convenient location. Although these are difficult times for European healthcare provision and healthcare companies we hope this meeting will provide a welcome boost to your enthusiasm and interest in colorectal problems.

We are delighted that Willem Bemelman has agreed to chair the programme committee. He and his colleagues have put together a terrific programme with video sessions and debates to ensure your constant attention. The cases for discussion have been assembled by Ian Anderson and there will be lessons there for all of us to take home.

Our guest lectures promise to be outstanding once again, and the special atmosphere of excellent presentations and friendly but combative discusssion will be memorable.

This is simply the best boutique colorectal meeting in Europe and we hope you enjoy the update in science and clinical practice as well as catching up with old friends

Jean-Claude Givel
Neil Mortensen