HPB, the official journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association, was launched in 1999 as an international forum for scientific and social communication. Four issues a year bring the reader original research, reviews, HPB images, editorials, case reports and reader correspondence connected with the various scientific and clinical interests involved in hepatic, pancreatic and biliary disease, along with the latest news from the IHPBA. HPB aims to help its readers - surgeons, physicians, radiologists and basic scientists - to develop their knowledge and practice.