Der Internist
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Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The therapeutic algorithm is complex and individualized especially in complicated courses of the disease. ⋯ Furthermore, ongoing controversies will be highlighted including early immunosuppression and immunomodulation as well as new therapeutic goals, such as mucosal healing. Finally, a perspective on future therapeutic options is given focusing especially on vedolizumab, the new antibody against the bowel-specific α4β7-integrin.