"Hedrology" - a term coined by G. B. E. SIMONETTI (Milan) - is the oldest of all surgical specialities. It was re-introduced as Proctology by European surgeons at the turn of the century. Excellent work was performed by the surgeons LIS FRANK, DIEFFENBACH, VELPEAU, VOLKMANN, KRASKE, VON REINEKE, QUENU, REHN and GOETZE. Today this specialty includes the research, recognition and treatment of disorders of the entire colon, rectum and anus. Ever since the days of W. VON REINEKE (1868-1901), this specialty has been cultivated with special care at the Chirurgische Universitatsklinik Erlangen; scientific investigation has progressed and the operative technique has been improved. Experts from 22 countries met here at the Third International Congress in order to exchange experience and to learn from the successes and failures of their col leagues. These opinions and this knowledge have been summarized in the congress report. Thus it presents a survey of today's problems in proctology. G. REGEMANN President of the rd 3 International Congress Contents The Future of Proctology, J. F. MONTAGUE . 1 I. Injuries of the Colon and Rectum Injuries of the Colon and Rectum, J. HOFERICHTER ..."