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Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease 10/2009

01-10-2009 | Original Article

Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure following acute diverticulitis: is timing everything?

Authors: Fergal J. Fleming, Peter Gillen

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 10/2009

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Abstract

Background

Patients who undergo a Hartmann’s procedure may not be offered a reversal due to concerns over the morbidity of the second procedure. The aims of this study were to examine the morbidity post reversal of Hartmann’s procedure.

Methods

Patients who underwent a Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis (Hinchey 3 or 4) between 1995 and 2006 were studied. Clinical factors including patient comorbidities were analysed to elucidate what preoperative factors were associated with complications following reversal of Hartmann’s procedure.

Results

One hundred and ten patients were included. Median age was 70 years and 56% of the cohort were male (n = 61). The mortality and morbidity rate for the acute presentation was 7.3% (n = 8) and 34% (n = 37) respectively. Seventy six patients (69%) underwent a reversal at a median of 7 months (range 3–22 months) post-Hartmann’s procedure. The complication rate in the reversal group was 25% (n = 18). A history of current smoking (p = 0.004), increasing time to reversal (p = 0.04) and low preoperative albumin (p = 0.003) were all associated with complications following reversal.

Conclusions

Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure can be offered to appropriately selected patients though with a significant (25%) morbidity rate. The identification of potential modifiable factors such as current smoking, prolonged time to reversal and low preoperative albumin may allow optimisation of such patients preoperatively.
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Metadata
Title
Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure following acute diverticulitis: is timing everything?
Authors
Fergal J. Fleming
Peter Gillen
Publication date
01-10-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0747-6

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