Results of Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring (BAR) for Intestinal Anastomosis

We examined 71 cases with 74 intestinal anastomoses using a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR). Fragmentation of BAR occurred on the 18th postoperative day (POD) in entero-colonic (rectal) anastomoses and on the 20th POD in colo-colic (rectal) anastomosis on average. The mean time required for the anastomosis was 21 min. Anastomotic leakage was identified in two cases (3%) and wound infection occurred in 5 cases (7%). Intestinal obstruction (abdominal pain or vomiting) was a specific complication of BAR anastomosis that occurred between the 10th and 14th POD in 20 cases (28%), although it could be prevented by administration of laxatives. BAR provides a fast, standardized, safe anastomosis and defecation should be controlled in about 3 postoperative weeks in cases with colonic anastomosis using a 25-mm BAR.