[Hartmann's operation in complicated lesions of the sigmoid and rectum]

A personal series of 49 Hartmann's operations carried out in the period 1975-1986 for complicated rectal-sigmoid lesions, 43 for cancer and 6 for diverticular sigmoiditis, are reported. Fully 45 of these patients (92%) were operated on in emergency conditions and the choice of the operation was imposed by the gravity of the lesions observed. In the light of this series and a review of the literature, it is maintained that the operation still has a place in complicated rectal-sigmoid lesions, especially under emergency conditions and in patients at risk for age and general conditions, it being very well tolerated and consenting recanalisation if necessary.