Volvulus Colon clinical trials

GOODBYE HARTMANN TRIAL: 100 YEARS OF HARTMANN'S PROCEDURE

Hartmann's procedure was described for the first time in 1921 as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection for the treatment of upper rectal tumours. Although Hartmann's procedure fell out of favour for rectal cancer after the introduction of restorative procedures, it remained the most common procedure in emergency setting for many years. Nowadays Hartmann's procedure is a useful procedure in selected cases e.g. severely ill patients with a high risk of anastomotic failure. However, restoring intestinal continuity for Hartmann patients is often associated with high morbidity, and about 70% will live with a permanent colostomy. Hartmann procedure' is a rapid and simple surgical technique intended to decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality. This technique is often performed by young surgeons Indeed, end colostomy may be necessary in situations where restoration of continuity is risky, either because of unfavorable local conditions or because a more definitive resection must be aborted due to hemodynamic instability. In the last decade the Hartmann's procedure has been revalued in many studies. In diverticular disease the results of DIVA arm of the LADIES trial showed that more patients in the primary anastomosis group were stoma free compared with patients in the Hartmann's procedure group. Other studies have observed no differences in major postoperative complications or postoperative mortality between patients undergoing primary anastomosis versus Hartmann's procedure. Hartmann's procedure reversals were associated with a higher risk of serious postoperative complications than were stoma reversals after primary anastomosis with ileostomy. Despite the growing evidence in favour of primary anastomosis and its inclusion as a valid treatment option for perforated diverticulitis or perforated sigmoid colon in recent clinical practice guidelines, some surgeons have been hesitant to undertake anastomosis in the setting of purulent or faecal contamination and continue to choose Hartmann's procedure to eliminate concerns about anastomotic leakage.