In the paediatric age group, the majority of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ibd: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis) are adolescents. Paediatricians (or paediatric gastroenterologists) are responsible for the complex medical care for these young adults. Around the age of 18 years, transition to adult healthcare (i.e. the gastroenterologist) should be completed. Transition is a process that may take years, whereas the actual transfer is the moment the patient has completed his/her transition period. Healthcare professionals of many disciplines but also the parents are involved. Case presentations illustrate important aspects of transition: what, who, when and where? Specific problems that the adolescent ibd patient, his/her parents and caregivers may encounter are reviewed. Transition guidelines should be developed and their efficacy subsequently evaluated.
