HARTMANN PROCEDURE FOR CARCINOMA OF THE RECTUM AND SIGMOID COLON

A review of the Hartmann's operation for patients with rectal and sigm oid cancer over an 18 year period is presented. There were 1063 patien ts who had a resection for carcinoma of the rectum or sigmoid colon an d 4.4% of these had a Hartmann's procedure. This operation was particu larly useful in the management of patients who presented with a proxim al obstruction or perforation at the tumour site. It was also effectiv e in the elective treatment of elderly unfit patients who had locally advanced tumours or those with distant metastases. Re-anastomosis is r ecommended in those patients who are relatively fit and have had a pot entially curative resection.