What is a Hartmann colostomy and can it be reversed?
Usually performed in an emergency situation for diseases of the bowel such as cancer and diverticulitis, Hartmann’s procedure is an open procedure to remove the affected area of the bowel and create an alternative path for faeces to be passed.
Hartmann’s procedure explained
Once the diseased area is removed and if the surgeon doesn’t feel that it is safe to re-join the bowel because of infection, obstruction or perforation, the healthy part of the large bowel is brought to the surface to form a stoma (an opening in the bowel). A temporary or permanent bag (colostomy) is then required to allow the bowel motion to be collected.
Possible reversal of Hartmann’s procedure
After a follow up consultation and once sufficient recovery time has elapsed a colonoscopy (flexible telescope) will need to be used to examine the bowel. The results of this test will decide if it is possible to reconnect the bowel together again.
In many cases the procedure can be reversed but this will involve a second operation where the surgeon will take away the colostomy and re-join this to the end of the bowel that has been left inside.
It is normally advised to wait until the patient is fully recovered and sometimes up to 12 months before the reversal may be undertaken.
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Melina - Assistant Editor
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