The beginning of a new millennium is an ideal opportunity to look back, to contemplate the present and to envisage what the future might have to offer. This seems particularly appropriate for the rapidly developing field of hepatology. Therefore, the aim of the Falk Symposium 117, Hepatology 2000, held in Munich on 4-6 May 2000, was to offer state-of-the-art information on the most important aspects of hepatology and to discuss the challenges of the future. The presentations were given by experts in their respective areas, providing an update and at the same time incorporating the most recent developments. These proceedings, a tour d'horizon of hepatology at the highest clinical and scientific level, is dedicated to Gustav Paumgartner who has retired from his duties as chairman of the Department of Medicine II at the University of Munich- Grosshadern. The scientific organisers take this opportunity to thank their academic teacher and to honour his lifelong engagement and achievements in hepatology. This book is cordially dedicated to him.