Colorectal

Hartmann's Procedure

HARTMANN'S PROCEDURE

Indication: Emergency resection of sigmoid colon or upper rectum when primary anastomosis is unsafe — free perforation, faecal peritonitis, obstructing sigmoid carcinoma, or unstable patient. Creates a proximal end colostomy with the distal rectal stump oversewn for potential later reversal.

Patient Position: Supine or Lloyd-Davies.

Anaesthesia: General.

Prophylactic Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics (active against Gram-negative coliforms and anaerobes).

Incision: Midline laparotomy.

Procedure: