Reanastomosis of a Hartmann rectal pouch. A simplified procedure.

A new technique has been described that permits easy location of the rectal stump at the time of colostomy closure for the Hartmann procedure. The routine use of a polypropylene (Prolene) suture to define the location of the rectal stump eliminates tedious pelvis dissection, which could injure the ureter or bladder, as well as entering or thinning the rectal wall distal to the new anastomosis.