[Intestinal anastomosis with a biofragmentable rind (BAR). Results in comparison with mechanical and manual anastomosis].
METHODS
The use of the biofragmentable anastomosis ring (Valtrac-BAR) was attempted in 25 selected patients (group I) undergoing elective colonic resection for primary colon cancer, at the General and Cardiovascular Institute of the University of Milan. The results were compared with those of 30 selected patients who underwent elective colonic resection for the same pathology during the same period, and had their bowel anastomosis stapled (group II) or hand-sutured (group III).


RESULTS
In group I there were 2 complications requiring reoperation: a little tear of the bowel near the BAR, and a postoperative ileus, compared with none in group II, that developed only 3 cases of abdominal wall infections. In group III, 2 patients developed a leakage of the anastomosis, one of them required reoperation. In the perioperative course there were 2 deaths (3.6%), in group II and III due to cardiovascular diseases. The results obtained showed no significant difference in the clinical course of the patients, or time of return of bowel function, and hospital stay.


CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions is drawn that Valtrac-BAR device is a safe and reliable alternative to conventional suture anastomosis in all areas of the intestinal tract, except the low rectum.
Erba
M
M
Istituto di Chirurgia Generale e Cardiovascolare, Università degli Studi, Milano.
Boneschi
M
M
Giordanengo
F
F
Miani
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures