Hartmann procedure revisited.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the complications and results of Hartmann's procedure and secondary restoration of continuity for left-sided colonic disease.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University hospitals, Northern Ireland.


METHODS
72 Patients who required a Hartmann's procedure over a 13 year period (1985-1998).


METHODS
Of these 45 (63%) were done as emergencies and 27 (38%) as elective procedures. The indications for an emergency procedure were obstruction and perforation.


METHODS
Mortality, morbidity, reversal of stoma rate.


RESULTS
The overall postoperative mortality was 7/72 (10%), with no significant difference between the emergency (4/45, 9%) and the elective (3/27, 11%) groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 31 patients (43%), and 8 developed wound infections (11%). Of the 43 surviving patients who where deemed suitable for re-establishment of continuity, 30 (70%) have had it done. There were no postoperative deaths or anastomotic dehiscences after the restoration of continuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Hartmann's procedure remains a safe and suitable option in patients with left sided colonic emergencies.
Khosraviani
K
K
Coloproctology Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Campbell
W J
WJ
Parks
T G
TG
Irwin
S T
ST
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003125:Colostomy; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000601:surgery; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000601:surgery; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006627:Hirschsprung Disease / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors