The journal of the future is here today.

Scientific publishing has undergone a complete transformation in the last two decades. While the process of peer review may differ little from what it was during the last 50 years, electronic indexing, electronic access, and now electronic submission of scientific manuscripts has transformed the surgical journal in the last decade. In fact, the editorial office of the journal has contracted to a workstation, a fax machine, a telephone, and a storage locker for the aging paper records.