[Ileorectal anastomosis with a B.A.R. A clinical case report. Bowel anastomosis ring]

The device invented in 1892 by Murphy is now being used again: as a matter of fact, modern technologies allowed for the development of a pressure bowel-anastomosis system with complete reabsorption, whose mechanical structure resembles Murphy's device. In 1987, in digestive anastomosis, the B.A.R. (Bowel Anastomosis Ring) pressure suturing device was successfully used. In this case report, the authors, on the basis of previous experiences concerning pressure bowel anastomosis with biodegradable material, describe the use of the B.A.R. for the performance of an ileo-rectal sub-peritoneal anastomosis in a patient with rectal neoplasia and previous ileorectostomy. In the authors' opinion, the absence of post-surgery complications and the very good functional outcome that was achieved in such a complex case, from a pathological and surgical point of view, is a further contribution to the validity of such methodology, which is also supported by several studies carried out both in the U.S.A. and in Europe on colic and upper digestive surgery. By overcoming the last hindrance represented by the performance of esophageal anastomosis, it will be possible to consider B.A.R. as a useful and proper method to be generally applied in digestive surgery.