Hartmann procedure.

The Hartmann procedure has been performed in 42 patients during a ten-year period. It is considered a good alternative in the emergency operative treatment for perforated diverticulas, perforated sigmoid cancer, anastomotic disrupture after an anterior resection or in ileus caused by stricturating colorectal cancer. It is also useful as an alternative in elective operations when there are unexpected difficulties in establishing colorectal continuity, as well as a palliative operation for advanced colorectal cancer. The overall operative mortality in the present series was 14%. Colorectal continuity could be reestablished in 13 of the 18 patients where it was attempted.