Inflammation of the colon can be caused by a variety of diseases. While the clinical presentation may suggest colitis, further evaluation by radiology, endoscopy and surgical pathology is usually necessary to make a specific diagnosis. BACKGROUND: For the past nine years, the authors have participated in a weekly multidisciplinary digestive disease conference. To preserve the teaching value from these cases and to increase the number of people who benefit from these efforts, we have begun to compile this information into educational videotapes. METHODS: Clinical cases of colitis from 1990 to 1999 were reviewed. Characteristic features of the clinical presentation, radiology, colonoscopy and surgical pathology from various cases were selected. A detailed script was created and revised according to the ASGE guidelines. The illustrative case histories, radiographs, video sequences, histology and pertinent teaching points were then formatted to match the script and edited onto a videotape. RESULTS: Eight conditions are presented in a sequential, multidisciplinary fashion: the normal colon, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, ischemic colitis, colonic mucosal prolapse syndrome, collagenous & lymphocytic colitis, acute hemorrhagic colitis and pseudomembranous colitis. CONCLUSION: This videotape reviews the charateristic features of several common forms of colitis in a multidisciplinary fashion.