Long-term results after 75 anastomoses in the upper extraperitoneal rectum with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring

Anastomoses in the rectum have a higher risk for complications compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Stapling devices and sophisticated developments in surgical suture materials did not lead to a substantial decrease of local complications. The bioabsorbable anastomosis ring (BAR) is a new alternative technique for creating gastrointestinal anastomoses. Accordingly, the aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the postoperative course and long-term results of patients after anterior rectum resection using BAR.

From 1991 to 1996 75 BAR anastomoses were performed in the upper rectum at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg. Thirty-eight patients suffered from malignant, 37 from benign disease. Mean age was 61.4 years with no relevant differences in the gender. Mean follow-up was 31 months (4-63 months). The clinical course was evaluated, a questionnaire completed and/or a 3-monthly reevaluation with endoscopy conducted. Mortality, anastomostic bleeding, leakage and development of anastomotic stenosis were evaluated.

Sixty-seven patients could be reexamined. There was no postoperative mortality and no anastomotic bleeding. Six patients (8%) developed an anastomotic leakage, of whom 3 (4%) required reoperation. None of the patients revealed a detectable stenosis in the anastomotic region during follow-up.

The BAR procedure is a safe and suitable anastomotic technique after anterior rectum resection.