Experience with early anastomosis after the Hartmann procedure.

From January 1980 to December 1989, 108 Hartmann procedures were performed and 55 of these patients subsequently had colorectal continuity re-established. Thirty-eight patients had colorectal anastomosis after an average interval of 6.5 months and 17 had early anastomosis performed within 1 month of the primary procedure. On the basis of the experience reported here, it would seem that early colorectal anastomosis does not increase the risk to the patient and may be an easier procedure to perform than the delayed operation. For selected patients, we recommend early colorectal anastomosis after a Hartmann procedure, thus sparing them the problems of life with a temporary colostomy.