[Hartmann's operation. Results in 96 cases and present indications]

The results of 96 Hartmann's operations performed over a period of 10 years are analyzed. Surgery was indicated for cancer in 72 p. cent of cases, the objective being palliative treatment in one ouf of two patients, for perforating necrotizing lesions of the colon in 11 p. cent, and for complications of sigmoid diverticulitis in 7 p. cent. Emergency intervention was necessary in 41 p. cent of cases. Overall mortality was 19 p. cent, half of these being related to the original lesion and the other half to complications due to the primary peritonitis. Re-establishment of intestinal continuity was possible in 15 p. cent of patients, must of whom had been operated upon initially for benign lesions. Postoperative mortality was nil in this group. Hartmann's operation should be employed mainly when abdominoperineal and anterior rectal resections are contraindicated. It is principally indicated for palliative treatment of rectal or rectosigmoid cancers, and for benign or malignant tumors with colonic sceptical complications.