Management of the leaking rectal stump after Hartmann's procedure

Hartmann's procedure is often selected in situations in which the construction of a colorectal anastomosis is considered unsafe. Paradoxically, the creation of the rectal stump involves placement of an intestinal suture line that is prone to leakage. We report our experience with 11 patients with a clinically significant leakage from the rectal stump after Hartmann's procedure, which was manifested as persistent postoperative intra-abdominal infection. A method for the treatment and prevention of this potentially lethal complication is presented.