[Colorectal reconstruction after the Hartmann operation, by a simplified Duhamel technique using the GIA American...

Reconstruction of the colon after Hartmann operation by an end-to-end anastomosis necessitates a rather extensive dissection of the rectal cul-de-sac; this can be avoided by posterior and transanal lowering according to Duhamel's technique. The major drawback of this technique, prolonged keeping of foreps in the anus, can be avoided by immediate anastomosis using the USSC-GIA stapler. The use of the stapler is described and a clinical case reported.