title: Open vs laparoscopic approach for reversal of Hartmann's procedure: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A meta-analysis of published literature comparing open vs laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal.
  
  
  METHODS
  MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed and the Cochrane databases were searched from January 1993 to August 2008. The bibliography of selected trials was scrutinized and relevant references obtained. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight comparative studies involving 450 patients were analysed. One hundred and ninety-three patients were in the laparoscopic and 257 in the open group. Laparoscopic reversal has a significantly reduced complication rate (z = -2.92, P < 0.01), intra-operative blood loss (z = -7.34, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (z = -3.16, P < 0.01) compared with the conventional approach. No difference in leak rates was found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure is safe, has fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. This approach may be considered for reversal, however, randomized controlled trials are required to strengthen the evidence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2DH, UK. md0u812a@mac.com
authors.forename: M R S
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sajid
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Baig
mesh_terms: D003125:Colostomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D007902:Length of Stay; D013996:Time and Motion Studies