An absorbable (i.e., temporary) surgical implant used to join resected loops of bowel. The ring is composed of two parts polyglycolic acid (Dexon) and one part barium sulfate. It dissolves, or “fragments,” about 3 weeks after implantation, when major tissue healing has occurred. The ring is easy to use; postoperative complications may include leakage and, rarely, intestinal stricture.