Gastrointestinal viscerosynthesis with biofragmentable anastomosis ring.

The biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) has been in clinical use since 1987. It yields a standardized intestinal viscerosynthesis leaving no foreign body in the tissues. Several multicentre and single studies have shown its safety and efficacy in elective colonic surgery. Our studies have shown it to be safe and reliable also in small bowel surgery and bilio-digestive anastomosis. Our long-term results in colonic surgery are very promising. A review of anastomosis technique and current literature is given.