The Biofragmentable Anastomotic Ring (BAR) (Valtrac, Davis & Geck, Inc.) is a newly approved device intended for colonic anastomosis. We have used the device in 47 patients to date. These patients were studied to determine the effectiveness, uses and limitations of this new device. The BAR is similar in concept to the older Murphy "Button" used circa World War I, but it's constructed of polyglycolic acid rather than metal. Anastomosis is effected by placing the two bowel lumens over the device, tying the purse-string sutures snugly, and "clicking" the device closed. The BAR fragments and is passed 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. The patients ranged from 14 to 82 years of age. Thirty-nine patients were operated on for cancer, four for diverticulitis, and four for colostomy closure. One transverse colectomy (THC), 15 left hemicolectomies (LHC), 23 sigmoid colectomies (SC), two low anterior resections (LAR), four colostomy closures, and two right hemicolectomies were performed. There were no anastomotic leaks and no complications. We found that because of the need to have access distally to "click" the device closed, BAR anastomosis after LAR is rarely feasible. Because of the small lumenal size of the distal ileum, the BAR is seldom usable for ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy (RHC). The newly approved 25-mm BAR may change this. We found that the time required to perform an anastomosis with the BAR is equivalent to stapled techniques. At our hospital, the cost of the device is equivalent to one intestinal stapler. Since multiple staplers are used in most colon anastomotic techniques, there is a modest cost advantage for the BAR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)