The International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists (formerly the International Gastro-Surgical Club) was founded in 1988 as a humanitarian, non-profit organization.

In 1988 the Medical Faculty of Amsterdam University accepted a proposal by Professor Lygidakis and the chairman of the department of surgery, Prof. Vanderheiden, to initiate an International Medical Foundation to achieve the objectives of globalization of medical knowledge and expertise.

More than twenty five years after its inception, the International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists is a vibrant, strong and influential body of surgeons, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, oncologists, endoscopists, laparoscopists, pathologists and radiologists from over 60 different countries worldwide. We are proud that our members not only include leading international personalities in the field of GI diseases, but also a younger generation of doctors who share our philosophy and are eager to further our goals.

• To stimulate high quality experimental and clinical research in the field of digestive diseases with special emphasis on international cooperation.
• The society strives to achieve this object. Inter alia, by:
  • Bringing together persons involved or interested in the scientific study of digestive disease by arranging scientific, seminars and study groups;
  • Providing guidance and information to the public on matters relevant to digestive diseases and their control;
  • Issuing a scientific journal.

Hepato-Gastroenterology serves as the official forum of the IASGO. Hepato-Gastroenterology is one of the world's leading multi-disciplinary journals aiming to offer a free forum of communication.

The journal is currently published 6 times per year and has a circulation of 6000 copies per issue. Double issues, supplements or special editions complement the yearly outputs.