Primary Anastomosis Versus Hartmann's Procedure in Obstructing Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques in the emergency management of obstructed colorectal carcinoma. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients' data from a tertiary referral university hospital. The medical records of patients who underwent emergency surgery for obstructed colorectal cancer between May 2014 and August 2019 were evaluated. The cases were divided primarily into two groups: Primary Resection and Anastomosis (PRA) and Hartmann's Procedure (HP). The clinical characteristics, peri-operative outcomes and oncological results including early postoperative complications, morbidity and mortality (30-day, 1-year and 5-year survival) were compared between groups. Results: In this retrospective study, 110 patients with obstructing colorectal cancer undergoing emergency surgery were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: 65 cases of Primary Resection and Anastomosis (PRA) and 45 cases of Hartmann's Procedure (HP). PRA patients had significantly shorter hospital stays (8.7 ± 4.1 vs. 11.2 ± 5.2 days, p = 0.02), lower complication rates (33% vs. 66%, p = 0.003), and superior survival outcomes, with a 5-year survival rate of 33.8% compared to 22.2% in the HP group (p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences, including higher complication rates and repeat surgery requirements in patients with a diverting ostomy or undergoing resection without anastomosis. Conclusion: PRA demonstrated favorable perioperative and long-term outcomes compared to HP in the emergency management of obstructing colorectal cancer. These findings highlight the potential benefits of avoiding permanent stoma formation when appropriate patient selection criteria are met.