Biofragmentable anastomoses rings represent a fascinating concept: Stan­ dardization of anastomoses, secure technique in application, expulsion of the material without residuals. In addition, one single technique allows to perform the classical end to end, end to side, and side to side anastomoses in most areas of the gastrointestinal tract, without any auxiliary tool. This means a great advantage of practicability. Controlled studies evidenced that the rate of complications is very small for the intestinal tract. Therefore, it is important to establish the localization for present indication and contra­ indications. Two chapters especially deal with upper GI anastomoses in­ cluding esophagus anastomoses and with BAR anastomoses in inflammatory bowel disease. This is done by analysing the data and by an exchange of experience between the clinical research groups. This book is to communi­ cate experimental data and to increase understanding about pathophysiology of the healing of anastomoses by means of compression anastomoses. Wiirzburg, Germany, Prof. Dr. R. ENGEMANN October 1994 Prof. Dr. A. THIEDE Contents Experimental Research Histological and Clinical Aspects of Early Healing of the Valtrac Anastomosis in the Colon R. GULLICHSEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Colorectal Intramural Blood Supply and Microcirculation in Man M. A. R. AL FALLOUJI (With 5 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring Versus Stapled Anastomoses in the Extraperitoneal Rectum: Experimental Study in Dogs N. G. CZECZKO, B. POLONIO, L. F. COLA