The Hartmann procedure, five years' experience

During a 5-year period (1985-1990) a Hartmann procedure was performed in 66 patients. Retrospective analysis was done to analyse circumstances influencing mortality, restoration of bowel continuity, prognostic value of per-operative peritonitis and results of open wound treatment. Thirteen patients (19.6%) died post-operatively. Colorectal continuity was subsequently restored in 27 patients of 44 potential candidates (61%). Peroperative purulent or faecal peritonitis and acute diverticulitis was found to significantly influence (p < 0.05) the mortality rate. Resection below the sigmoid level gave a significant lower frequency of reanastomosis. Open wound treatment in selected patients proved to be effective: only two (3.0%) cases of wound infection were seen in 66 patients.