Billroth-I anastomosis with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) in an animal model

In the present study, the Billroth-I anastomosis with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring was examined in dogs. 24 dogs were randomized into a group of manual suturing (n = 12) and a BAR-group (n = 12). In the group of manual suturing, a distal gastric resection and gastroduodenostomy with sero-submucous suture was performed. In the BAR-group, the distal gastric resection was done with the linear stapler PLC-75, whereby the BAR gastroduodenostomy crossed the stapling line. The dogs were evaluated on p.o. days 4.14, and 30 and tested for bursting strength and bursting location, appearance of mucosa, hydroxyprolin concentration, and histologic features. There was no functional disorder in the gastrointestinal transit in any animal; in summary with regard to the various parameters, the crossing of BAR and stapling line does not represent any additional risk factor in the Billroth-I anastomosis in dogs.