What happens to the Valtrac anastomosis of the colon? A follow-up study

Late results after colonic anastomoses performed with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR; Valtrac; Davis & Geck, Wayne, NJ) were evaluated in 30 patients who had undergone a left-sided colonic or rectosigmoid anastomosis a mean of 24.5 (range, 12-38) months earlier. Patients were asked about their late postoperative recovery and their bowel habits. A barium enema was performed, and then a flexible endoscopy was done, during which the anastomotic area was evaluated both in macroscopic terms and histologically. One of the patients had died, and three refused to participate in the investigation. Of the remaining 26 patients, one had been reoperated on 22 months after the primary sigmoid resection. The reason for reoperation was an anastomotic stricture. One of the patients was admitted to the hospital during the study and was operated on for reasons not related to the anastomosis. Twenty-four patients underwent the study scheme. All had recovered uneventfully. Sixteen anastomoses could not be identified radiologically and seven not even during endoscopy. Histologically, there was mild-to-moderate fibrosis and scarring in 17 anastomoses, and, in the seven that could not be identified, only normal colonic mucosa was found. The late results of BAR anastomoses are satisfying, and the rate of complications is acceptable.