Gastrointestinal endoscopy is now mainstream and the focus is now changing from developing new techniques to enhancing the efficiency and quality of fundamental techniques. There are three elements to this agenda: initial training, continuous quality improvement and patient empowerment.

For the first time, the book is accompanied by two CD-ROMs - featuring video and animation of how to perform the techniques. The first CD-ROM covers the upper GI tract and consists of two sections: (1) the background to instruments and how to get set up, and (2) how to perform diagnostic techniques. The second CD-ROM covers diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in colonoscopy.
Cotton and Williams' book has evolved with each new edition to reflect developments in the field of endoscopy over the last 20 years.

This fifth edition draws on the vast experience of the authors and heralds current changes in both endoscopy and publishing.

The emerging 'back to basics' attitude of endoscopy opinion formers with regard to the teaching of endoscopy has resulted in a more focused table of contents specifically targeted at newcomers to this specialty.