Healing of esophageal anastomoses performed with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring versus the end-to-end anastomosis stapler: comparative experimental study in dogs.

The biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) has been used successfully for anastomoses from the stomach to the upper rectum. The healing of intrathoracic esophageal anastomoses performed with the BAR or an end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler on an experimental model was compared. Parameters of tissue repair were evaluated: macroscopic examination, bursting strength (BS), collagen (hydroxyproline, or HP), histology (H&E and Picrosirius red staining for collagen).