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

Data of 84 Hartmann operations have shown it to be the operation of choice not only in urgent but also in planned surgery. It is indicated to patients with severe intercurrent diseases and in cases with great local regional spread of the tumor process. To prevent the development of infection in the pelvic fat a careful suture of the rectum stump and wide drain of the presacral space is necessary.