Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure in Patients with Very Short Rectal Stump: A New Technique

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Reversal of Hartmann's procedure is a difficult surgical exercise with significant morbidity and mortality. One of the difficulties encountered during surgery is the presence of a very short rectal stump. Materials and methods We present two cases where the patients underwent a Hartmann's procedure for abortion induced colonic injury and a subsequent failed attempt at reversal. The distal stump was mobilized from the sacrum (virgin field). An end to side anastomosis was performed between the distal end of colon and the posterior surface of the rectal stump using an end to end circular stapler. Results The patients had a complete recovery with good functional results. Conclusion This is a novel technique which when applied in such situations will prove technically easy and functionally adequate. How to cite this article Singh G, Gupta V. Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure in Patients with Very Short Rectal Stump: A New Technique. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(3):150-152.