OBJECTIVE: To study was to investigate the associated morbidity and mortality of the restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure. METHODS: Hospital records of 29 patients undergoing surgery to restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure at Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais between January 1998 and December 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, morbidity and mortality data were colleted. RESULTS: There were 16 men and 13 women with mean age of 52.6 years. The median time between the Hartmann's procedure and the attempt of closure of colostomy was 17.6 months (range,1-84 months). The median operation time was 300 minutes (range, 180-720 min). The restoration of the continuity was successful in 27 patients (93%). Two patients had anastomotic leakage (7%) and 7 had wound infection (22%). The mortality rate was of 3.4% (1/29 patients). There were association between unsuccessful restoration of intestinal continuity and previous attempt of closure (p=.007), chemotherapy (p=.037) and long term stay with colostomy (p =.007). CONCLUSION: The interval between the Hartmann's procedure and the restoration of intestinal continuity should not be long. The patients should be aware that in some circumstances the restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure is not possible due to local conditions of the rectum.
Hartmann procedure; Morbidity; Mortality
