ABSTRACT
Hartmann's procedure involves resecting the rectosigmoid colon, closure of the distal rectal stump, and forming an end colostomy for complicated left colon diverticulitis or malignancy. Recovery from the initial operation can, in a second stage, be followed by a reversal stage with the restoration of bowel continuity. This study aimed to assess the reversal rate and its correlation with demographic data, ASA grade, and length of hospital stay. All patients who underwent Hartmann's emergency procedure from 2014 to 2018 at Lewisham and Greenwich hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. Data was collected from the inpatient electronic files and NELA (UK National Laparotomy Audit). 118 patients were included in the study, with 57.6% females and a median age of patients of 69 years (range 35-91). Findings of the study indicate that the most common indications for Hartmann's procedure were diverticular complications 60% (n=71) and benign perforated sigmoid or rectosigmoid cancer 16% (n=19). The average length of hospital stay was 24 days (range n=2 - 212 days). The reversal rate was 34.9% (41/118 cases). No significant difference was observed between gender and length of hospital stay in relation to the reversal rate while there was a significant correlation between age and ASA grade in relation to reversal rate; the calculated P values were recorded as (<0.000) and (<0.009) respectively. Our results show that the highest reversal rate was observed in younger and fitter (I-II) ASA grade patients. The most common medical complication from reversal of Hartmann's procedure was an anastomotic leak (n=6, 16.7%). Reversal rate of Hartmann's procedure was 34.9%. The average timeframe for reversal was within 18-20 months. There was a significant correlation between age and ASA grade in relation to reversal rate.
