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Prolidase deficiency and solitary mastocytoma of the eyelid are both exceedingly rare. Prolidase deficiency is an inherited connective tissue disorder that has systemic sequelae, such as intractable skin ulceration, poor wound healing, recurrent infections, and intellectual impairment. Cutaneous mastocytoma is an isolated, aberrant cutaneous aggregation of mast cells. A case of an adult with severe prolidase deficiency who developed cutaneous mastocytoma of the eyelid was presented. To the authors' knowledge, adult-onset solitary mastocytoma of the eyelid has never been reported previously.

To describe post-traumatic and congenital respiratory epithelial cysts in the orbit, which are rare lesions with only 5 and 13 published cases, respectively. We reviewed all cases of respiratory epithelial cysts diagnosed at three institutions (two tertiary referral hospitals, one private clinic) between 1995 and 2015. We describe 10 cases of post-traumatic respiratory epithelial cyst (age range 23 - 82), presenting a mean of 17.4 years after their original trauma; and 3 congenital cases (age range 17-34). All but one case underwent surgical excision of the cyst and its lining, along with any surgical implant within the cyst. Two were recurrent after incomplete excision. Three presented with acute infection within the cyst. Respiratory epithelial orbital cysts are probably commoner than the paucity of published reports would suggest. Post-traumatic cysts often present many years after trauma, and may become secondarily infected. Complete surgical removal is recommended to prevent future recurrence.

Purpose: Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TO) is an autoimmune-mediated orbital inflammation that can lead to disfigurement and blindness. Multiple genetic loci have been associated with Graves' disease, but the genetic basis for TO is largely unknown. This study aimed to identify loci associated with TO in individuals with Graves' disease, using a genome-wide association scan (GWAS) for the first time to our knowledge in TO., Methods: Genome-wide association scan was performed on pooled DNA from an Australian Caucasian discovery cohort of 265 participants with Graves' disease and TO (cases) and 147 patients with Graves' disease without TO (controls). Top-ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) then were genotyped in individual DNA samples from the discovery cohort, and two replication cohorts totaling 584 cases and 367 controls., Results: In the GWAS of pooled DNA samples, several SNPs showed suggestive association with TO at genome-wide P ≤ 10-6; rs953128 located on chr10q21.1, rs2867161 on chr7q11.22, rs13360861 on chr5q12.3, rs7636326 on chr3q26.2, rs10266576 on chr 7q11.22, rs60457622 on chr3q23, and rs6110809 on chr20p12.1. However, the only SNP consistently associated with TO on individual genotyping in the discovery and replication cohorts was rs6110809, located within MACROD2 on chromosome 20p12.1. On combined analysis of discovery and replication cohorts, the minor A allele of rs6110809 was more frequent in TO than in Graves' disease controls without TO (P = 4.35 × 10-5; odds ratio [OR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-2.32) after adjusting for age, sex, duration of Graves' disease, and smoking., Conclusions: In patients with Graves' disease, a common genetic variant in MACROD2 may increase susceptibility for thyroid-associated orbitopathy. This association now requires confirmation in additional independent cohorts.

Purpose: To describe a surgical procedure and its outcomes for the management of chronic pseudomembranous kerato-conjunctivitis secondary to giant fornix syndrome (GFS)., Methods: Retrospective case series of 6 patients undergoing fornix shortening surgery for giant fornix syndrome., Results: Surgery produced complete resolution of symptoms in 5/6 (83%) patients and complete relief prior to partial relapse in 1. Mean follow up was 18 months (range: 3-41 months). In the 4 (of 6) patients who had measurements taken, the mean upper eyelid forniceal depth reduced from 21.25 mm (n = 4, SD: 2.87) preoperatively to 16.5 mm (n = 4, SD: 2.65) postoperatively., Conclusions: Fornix reconstruction may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for refractory GFS. Resection of excess conjunctiva restores the normal anatomy within the conjunctival cul-de-sac thereby reducing the incidence of protein coagulum formation.

Purpose: We aimed to determine differentially expressed genes relevant to orbital inflammation and orbital fat expansion in thyroid orbitopathy (TO) using microarray gene profiling in a case-control study., Methods: Human orbital adipose samples were obtained from individuals with active TO (n = 12), inactive TO (n = 21), and normal controls (n = 21). Gene expression profiles were examined using microarray analysis and were compared between active and inactive TO, and between active TO and normal controls. Top ranked differentially expressed genes were validated by real-time RT-PCR in an additional eight active TO, 13 inactive TO, and 11 normal controls and correlated with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and molecular pathways analysis., Results: Seven hundred twenty-one probes (683 genes) and 806 probes (735 genes) were significantly differentially expressed in comparing active to inactive TO and in comparing active TO to healthy controls, respectively. All selected genes were confirmed to be differentially expressed by real-time RT-PCR. Multiple top ranked genes in active versus inactive TO comparison are overrepresented by immune and inflammatory response genes. They include defensins (DEFA1, DEFA1B, DEFA3), which were overexpressed by 3.05- to 4.14-fold and TIMD4 by 4.20-fold. Markers for adipogenesis were overexpressed including SCD, FADS1, and SCDP1. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed dysregulation of epigenetic signatures, T-cell activation, Th1 differentiation, defensin pathway, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization, apoptosis, cell cycling, and lipid metabolism in active TO., Conclusions: Active TO is characterized by upregulation of genes involved in cell-mediated immune, innate immune, and inflammatory response and enhanced orbital adipogenesis. TIMD4, DEFA1, DEFA1B, and DEFA3 genes may be involved in the innate immune-mediated orbital inflammation in TO. Epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of TO.

Purpose: Orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCH) often present as incidentally found asymptomatic lesions, and it has been reported that such lesions do not grow. The authors' own experience has been different. They describe the natural history of OCH in a cohort with asymptomatic incidentally found lesions and compare them with patients with symptomatic OCH to identify any characteristics that might predict those which enlarge and produce symptoms., Methods: This was a retrospective comparative case series from 3 tertiary referral orbital centers in Australia. There were 104 patients with OCH, 31 of whom presented with incidentally found lesions. For patients with incidental lesions, only those with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months were included. Outcome measures included demographic features, clinical features at presentation and during follow up, anatomical location of the OCH, change in maximal linear dimensions of the OCH over time, follow-up period, and requirement for treatment in the follow-up period., Results: There were 104 patients included in the study. Thirty-one had an asymptomatic, incidental OCH on imaging performed for other indications. Seventy-nine patients had treatment, and 11 of these had presented with an incidental, asymptomatic OCH that enlarged and produced symptoms or new clinical findings. In the 20 other patients with incidentally found OCH, there was no or minimal change in the follow-up period of 1.2 to 20 years (mean 5.8 years, standard deviation [SD] 4.6 years). None of the factors analyzed in the study were able to predict those patients with an incidental OCH that enlarged and required treatment. Patients with incidental lesions that did not grow over several years did not change over much longer periods of time. When considering all patients with OCH, both incidentally diagnosed and symptomatic, there were 4 factors that predicted whether someone with an OCH would require treatment. These were maximal linear dimension, male gender, extraconal location (increased risk of requiring treatment), and being an incidental finding (decreased risk of requiring treatment)., Conclusions: OCH may present as an incidental finding. A significant number will grow over time and require treatment. The authors could not identify any factor that would predict those lesions that enlarge over time and require treatment. If an incidental OCH does not change over several years, it is very unlikely to do so in longer periods of follow up.

Facial nerve injury following endovascular treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae may be caused by ischemia from inadvertent embolisation of vasa nervorum, shearing or compressive forces. We report a case of unilateral facial nerve palsy as a complication of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula embolisation.

Purpose: To determine the anatomical location and laterality of orbital cavernous haemangiomas (OCH)., Design: Retrospective case series., Methods: The records of 104 patients with OCH were analyzed., Main Outcome Measures: The anatomical location of each OCH defined by the location of a point at the centre of the lesion, and its laterality., Results: There were 104 patients included in the study. No patient had more than one lesion. Sixteen (15.4%) were located in the anterior third of the orbit, 74 (71.2%) were in the middle third, and 14 (13.5%) in the posterior third. In the middle third, 10 of 74 (13.5%) were extraconal and 64 intraconal (86.5%), with 30 of 64 (46.9%) middle third intraconal lesions lying lateral to the optic nerve. Of 104 lesions, 56 (53.8%) were left sided, showing a trend towards a predilection for the left side (p = 0.065). If data from other published series which included data on laterality is added to our own data and analysed, 270 of 468 (57.7%) OCH occurred in the left orbit (p < 0.005)., Conclusions: OCH may occur at almost any location within the orbit. The commonest location is the middle third of the orbit, in the intraconal space lateral to the optic nerve. This may reflect an origin of these lesions from the arterial side of the circulation, as there are more small arteries in the intraconal space lateral to the optic nerve than in other locations. A predilection for the left orbit remains unexplained.

Objective: To describe the clinical, histopathologic, and radiologic features of a recently identified cause for enlargement of the infraorbital canal., Design: Retrospective, noncomparative case series., Participants: Consecutive patients were identified from the orbital databases at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia., Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative review of the clinical case notes, radiology, and histopathology was performed. The English-language medical literature was reviewed for reports of enlargement of the infraorbital canal or nerve., Main Outcome Measures: Extent of clinical and radiologic changes in patients with enlargement of the infraorbital canal., Results: A total of 14 patients (10 male) presented between the ages of 29 and 76 years with proptosis, eyelid swelling or a mass (10/14 cases), and periocular ache (5/14 cases). Clinical evidence of bilateral involvement was present in 6 of 14 patients. None had impairment of visual functions or facial sensation, but 4 of 14 patients had some reduction in ocular motility. Imaging showed a focal orbital mass in 10 of 14 patients (16/28 orbits), and all patients (22/28 orbits) had enlargement of some extraocular muscles. The infraorbital canal was enlarged in 20 of the 28 orbits, with associated ipsilateral orbital changes in 19 of 20 (all 14 patients) and ipsilateral maxillary sinus changes in 12 of 20 (11 patients). Biopsy-proven chronic orbital inflammation was present in all patients; this resembled reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) in 7 patients and immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related sclerosing inflammation in 7 patients. When tested, serum IgG4 was elevated in 6 of 7 patients. Clinical or histologically proven enlargement of cervical lymph nodes was present in 7 of 14 patients. All patients responded well to systemic corticosteroid therapy, although some had a relapse upon withdrawal. One patient developed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and subsequently leukemia, of which he later died 20 years after presentation., Conclusions: Enlargement of the infraorbital nerve and canal is rare and strongly suggests a diagnosis of RLH or IgG4-related disease, especially in the presence of ipsilateral extraocular muscle enlargement, sinus disease, or focal orbital disease., (Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the eyelid (PSCE) is a very rare tumour. Only a few cases having been reported to date. The majority of patients have been middle-age to elderly men. Different treatment modalities have been applied in cases of PSCE. Here, we report a case of PSCE in a man treated with orbital exenteration and radiotherapy.

Objective: To describe the observed frequency of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) in patients with dermolipoma., Design: Retrospective case series., Participants: Patients with primary presentation of ocular dermolipoma., Methods: All patients with ocular dermolipoma or lipodermoid were identified from the authors' clinical databases from 1990 to 2011 inclusive. Case notes were reviewed retrospectively for the gender and age of presentation, the laterality of dermolipoma, and features of OAVS., Main Outcome Measures: The frequency of OAVS in patients with dermolipoma, the severity of the OAVS phenotype, and other concurrent ophthalmic features observed., Results: Thirty-four patients (24 females) presented with dermolipoma at ages ranging from 6 months to 57 years (mean, 20 years; median, 16 years). Twelve patients (35.5%) had features of OAVS (10 patients with dermolipoma had ipsilateral OAVS and 2 patients had contralateral features of OAVS). Ten patients with dermolipoma had hemifacial microsomia, and 2 patients had features of Goldenhar's syndrome. None of the patients had bilateral dermolipoma and OAVS. Other associated ophthalmic features were limbal dermoids (2 cases), lateral canthal coloboma (3 cases), and facial nerve palsy (1 case)., Conclusions: Dermolipoma is an independent ocular association of OAVS that is more commonly observed than previously reported. It is an ocular feature in both the milder and more complex forms of the spectrum., Financial Disclosure(s): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article., (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A case of painless isolated extraocular muscle sarcoid and a literature review are presented. The atypical features in our case include a lack of overt inflammatory symptoms and signs, such as pain, ptosis, and diplopia. The presentation of minimal symptoms without improvement warrant a biopsy to establish the diagnosis and to administer appropriate treatment in order to prevent potential long-term complications from sarcoidosis.

Aspergillus niger infection is a rare complication following orbital exenteration, especially in immunocompetent patients. If untreated, the infection may lead to significant morbidities. We report a patient with this rare infection, who has been treated successfully with oral itraconazole.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit is a rare neoplasm that often follows a benign course. Additional involvement beyond the orbit is even rarer, having only been reported in 2 cases previously. The authors describe a 62-year-old patient with a primarily intracranial lesion including orbital extension which was debulked and initially diagnosed as meningioma. Two recurrences 3 and 4 years later disclosed a solitary fibrous tumor, with the initial histopathology being revised to the same diagnosis. This rare presentation of an orbital solitary fibrous tumor highlights the surgical challenge faced when the tumor straddles the cranio-orbital junction and demonstrates the potential for rapid regrowth after incomplete excision.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present an alternative procedure for rehabilitation of the volume deficient anophthalmic or enophthalmic socket., Methods: A retrospective review of clinical and photographic records of 12 patients with either an anophthalmic or enophthalmic orbit (14 orbits) undergoing volume augmentation by micro-fat grafting, or lipostructure, as initially described by Coleman. Patients with orbital volume deficiency seen in the oculoplastic clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK, were invited to participate in the study. The technique is discussed in detail., Results: The volume of fat injected ranged from 0.8 mL to 4.5 mL (median, 3.05 mL) per orbit, with a median increase in exophthalmometry measurements (available in 9 patients) of 2 mm (range, 0-7.5 mm). Subjective improvement in cosmetic outcome was experienced in all patients. Repeat grafting was required in 1 patient, and will be required in another patient. There were no embolic complications. The procedure was well tolerated in all patients. Median follow-up was 14.5 months (range,12-30 months)., Conclusions: Micro-fat grafting to the anophthalmic or enophthalmic socket appears to be a safe alternative technique for orbital volume enhancement. It has the advantages of avoiding alloplastic infectious complications, ease of technique, minimal donor site morbidity, acceptable graft take rate, low embolic complication rate, and good cosmetic outcome.

An 8-year-old girl presented with a papillomatous lower eyelid lesion, which had been present since infancy. An incisional biopsy diagnosed syringocystadenoma papilliferum. The origin and natural history of syringocystadenoma papilliferum remain disputed and are reviewed. In view of its association with basal cell carcinoma, further management options are discussed.

A retrospective review was carried out of 204 patients with blepharophimosis, (blepharo) ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). Of these, 94 (46%) had an autosomal dominant family history of BPES. Forty (20%) had manifest strabismus. Of these, 28 (70%) had esotropia, 10 (25%) had exotropia and 2 (5%) had hypertropia. Twelve (6%) patients had nystagmus. Seventy (34%) patients had a significant refractive error requiring spectacles. Twenty-one (30%) of these patients had anisometropic hypermetropia and 24 (34%) had anisometropic myopia. Forty-three patients had bilateral amblyopia and 40 had unilateral amblyopia, with 26 (65%) of these undergoing occlusion treatment. Of these, 14 had strabismus and refractive error, 7 refractive error only, 2 strabismus only and 3 neither refractive error nor strabismus. We conclude that there is a higher incidence of strabismus and refractive error in patients with BPES than in the normal population.

Purpose: To describe a case of familial Paget disease of bone associated with bilateral enophthalmos and mild exposure keratopathy., Methods: Case report and literature review., Results: A 71-year-old woman with familial Paget disease of bone had a long history of "receding eyes," headaches, and moderately dry eyes. She had bilateral enophthalmos with mild exposure keratopathy. Radiologic and endocrinologic investigation confirmed Paget disease of bone affecting the skull., Conclusions: Enophthalmos in association with Paget disease of bone is rare and is likely to result from differential expansion of the cranium compared with the orbital bones.

A patient with a retinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) had experienced episodic visual loss with spontaneous recovery for many years, followed by permanent visual loss secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. She subsequently progressed to development of retinal neovascularization extending onto the posterior vitreous face with recurrent vitreous hemorrhage requiring vitrectomy. A brief review of the literature is presented, and the cause of the fluctuations in vision and central retinal vein occlusion are discussed.

A randomized trial was undertaken to compare the biofragmental anastomotic ring (BAR) with conventional intraperitoneal colorectal anastomotic techniques. Patients were randomized into one of two schemes: BAR versus sutured or BAR versus stapled anastomosis. There were 782 patients entered into the study and 283 patients (36%) had a sutured anastomosis, 104 patients (13%) had a stapled anastomosis, and 395 (51%) had the BAR. Comparison of the BAR with combined suture and stapled controls revealed no significant differences in wound complication, abscess rate, bleeding, anastomotic leaks, ileus, obstruction, or deaths. There were no differences in return of bowel function, return to normal diet, or hospital stay. Intraoperative difficulties occurred in 46 BAR patients (17%), and this was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than for sutured (3%) but not for stapled anastomoses (11%). The occurrence of these problems did not adversely effect the outcome. The data suggest that the BAR is a safe, satisfactory alternative to sutured or stapled colorectal anastomoses.

From January 1979 to October 1986, 86 patients with surgically resectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum or rectosigmoid were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy consisting of preoperative 2,400 cGy (22 patients), preoperative 4,000 cGy (14 patients), "sandwich" technique (27 patients), and postoperative irradiation (23 patients). Average follow-up was 42.9 months. The local recurrence rate was 4.5%, 9.1%, 7.4%, and 34.8%, respectively. The distant metastasis rate was 18.2%, 18.2%, 7.4%, and 30.4%, respectively. Preoperative radiotherapy with adequate surgical resection appears more effective in reducing the incidence of local recurrence.

Twenty-seven patients have had bowel anastomoses with a biofragmentable ring for sutureless bowel anastomosis. There were no complications associated with the anastomotic technique. One patient developed an ischemic stricture on the proximal side of the anastomosis due to compromised circulation. There was no leakage. Technical factors regarding the BAR anastomosis are described. A properly placed purse-string suture is of primary importance. Advantages appear to be a more rapid and easy anastomosis with better healing.

A randomized prospective trial with 108 patients undergoing anorectal surgery was conducted comparing the use of Urecholine orally or subcutaneously to no treatment controls. There was no difference in postoperative urinary retention rates and caudal or general anesthesia, nor was there an earlier postoperative bowel movement with Urecholine. The volume of intravenous fluids significantly affected retention rates.

A biofragmentable bowel anastomosis ring (BAR) for sutureless intestinal anastomosis is described with the laboratory results comparing the BAR to sutured and stapled anastomoses. There was equivalent healing with all three methods of anastomosis. However, "burst" pressure was highest at day zero and overall necrosis was least with the BAR. By virtue of these findings and being sutureless, it is hoped that the limits of safe bowel anastomosis can be extended.

Experience in treating 100 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, for periods ranging from one to 15 years, is reviewed. A concise clinical classification of inflammatory bowel disease, correlated with a method of management, is presented. Relative rates of operation appear to be reduced over previously reported series: among chronic ulcerative colitis patients, 11 per cent had major precedures; for Crohn's disease, 36 per cent.

Four of five patients survived perforation of the colon incidental to barium-enema examination, while the other survived without sequela of infection until hemiplegia and pneumonia supervened two and 36 days, respectively, postoperatively. It is postulated that adequate intravenous fluids, early operation, with complete cleansing by antibiotic irrigation and mechanical debridement of the abdominal cavity, along with excision of the perforated segment of bowel with establishment of an end colostomy or ileostomy and distal mucous fistula, if possible, are keys to survival in these patients. Triple antibiotics, using ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin, or metronidazole, should be administered in all patients as soon as the diagnosis is made, and continued postoperatively as indicated until there is no evidence of infection. An intraluminal intestinal tube, for stichless plication of the small bowel, may be helpful in some patients. A stomacone should be used for a barium enema through a colostomy stoma. Care should be exercised in performing barium contrast studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

In a randomized, prospective study of 438 patients, the safety and efficacy of the Valtrac biofragmentable anastomotic ring (BAR) was compared with stapling and with conventional suture techniques. There was no significant difference in the morbidity, mortality, and clinical course of the patients. The BAR can effect reestablishment of intestinal continuity somewhat more rapidly, but its major advantage is its uniform applicability to all areas of the intestinal tract, except the low rectum.

This retrospective study examines the value of an air contrast barium enema examination in detecting proximal neoplasia in the patient presenting with benign anorectal disease as determined by history, physical examination, rigid, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. In 428 of these patients, the roentgenographic studies showed proximal colonic cancer or polyps in less than 1 percent of patients reviewed. In addition, a review of 402 patients with known colon and rectal cancer were surveyed using the same criteria for diagnosis, and less than 1 percent were misinterpreted as having benign anorectal disease.

Experience with a new silicone prosthesis in the modified Thiersch operation for rectal procidentia in 16 extremely poor-risk patients is presented. The technique of implantation, structural details of the prosthesis, and the clinical results are described. The use of a new silicone prosthesis in the modified Thiersch procedure is a viable alternative in this group of patients. Surgical technique is a primary determining factor in preventing complications.

Four patients with partial obstruction of the colon, in whom adequate standard preparation for colonic resection was not possible, are presented. Clinically, these patients did not show sufficient signs of obstruction to require a preliminary colostomy. A technique of quarantining the area of tumor resection from the abdominal cavity is described, allowing for adequate preparation of the colon lumen at the site of anastomosis. After completion of the anastomosis, a large caliber (36 French) colonic tube is inserted, per rectum, through the anastomosis and the proximal colon irrigated with Betadine solution adequately emptying and sterilizing the lumen of the bowel to allow for primary anastomosis without a protective colostomy. The criteria for selection of patients for this technique are discussed. No complications, of significance, ensued. This method of intraoperative rectal tube irrigation, for prevention of colostomy in partial colonic obstruction, is safe when properly performed in the appropriate patient.

Three patients with complete colonic obstruction treated by primary resection and anastomosis with intraoperative colon tube decompression and bowel lumen sterilization without a protective colostomy are presented. An improved colonic decompressor was used. It is postulated that this procedure is an alternative safe technique in patients with colonic obstruction in whom an end-colostomy, mucous fistula, or Hartmann pouch would be necessary.

One hundred eighty-nine patients with anal fistula treated within an eight-month to seven-year period by anal fistulectomy and rectal mucosal advancement are presented. An 80 percent follow-up revealed a 90 percent asymptomatic group and a ten percent group who had minor symptoms. Eight percent of the symptomatic patients had minor soiling; 7 percent were incontinent for gas, and 6 percent were incontinent for loose stools. No patient was incontinent for solid feces. There was a 1.5 percent rate of recurrent anal fistula comparable to other techniques.

Three studies were conducted in a total of 178 dogs to determine the efficacy of a biofragmentable bowel anastomosis ring (BAR) composed of polyglycolic acid and 12.5% barium sulfate. Wound strength and healing of BAR, suture, and staple colonic anastomoses were compared for intervals of up to 1 year. The effect of systemic steroid treatment and BAR size on anastomotic wound strength and healing was also studied. The BARs fragmented at a mean time of 15.06 days postoperatively and were passed in the feces without injury. Wound strength was determined by measurements of the pressure required to burst the anastomosed colonic segment and measurements of the tension required to break 10 mm wide longitudinal strips of the anastomosed segment. The studies demonstrated that wound strength had progressed to a point where continued mechanical support (with sutures or staples) was no longer required by 14 days in both nontreated and steroid-treated dogs. Gross healing evaluations at 21 days and beyond showed no differences due to anastomotic method. Microscopic evaluations suggested that residual granulation tissue was less at the sites of BAR asastomoses than at sites of suture or staple anastomoses at the 1-year interval, suggesting that healing may be better with BAR than with standard methods of colon anastomosis.