Colostomy reversal after a Hartmann's procedure Effects of experience on mortality and morbidity

Hartmann's procedure (HP) is mostly lifesaving procedure especially for obstructive colorectal carcinomas, but remains bothersome requiring staged operation and subsequent reversal colostomy. We aimed to investigate risk factors for unfavorable surgical outcome after Hartmann's reversal.

Between September 2003 and September 2014, all patients who underwent colostomy reversal surgery after HP were enrolled into the study. Retrospective data collection included demographics (age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ASA scores) primary pathologies, interval period, surgeon who performed procedure [general surgeon (GS)/colorectal specialty (CRS)], postoperative complications and hospital stay.

There were 72 patients (49M/23F) with a median age of 64 (range: 29-83) years. The median BMI was 24 (21-44). Most of the patients (82%) had ASA score 3-4. Colorectal cancer was the primary diagnosis in 79% while others included diverticular perforation, volvulus, trauma and Crohn disease. Hartmann's procedure was performed as an emergency in three-fifths of patients. Median interval period between index surgery and reversal colostomy was 7 (1-24) months. The morbidity and mortality rates for colostomy reversal surgery were 34% and 8.3%, respectively. The most common postoperative complication was surgical site infection (22%) followed by anastomotic leak 5%. Mortality and morbidity rates were significantly higher in patients with higher BMI (p=0.031), higher ASA scores (p=0.028) and patients who underwent procedure not by a CRS.

Reversal colostomy procedure resulted in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with high BMI and ASA scores. Efforts to improve risk management and specialization in colorectal surgery may help to improve the outcome in reversal colostomy after Hartmann's procedure.

Colorectal surgery, Experience, Hartmann's procedure, Reversal colostomy, Morbidity.