A Rare Presentation of a Transverse Mesocolic Internal Hernia: A Case Report.

Internal hernias (IHs) are a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of bowel obstruction, with a high morbidity and mortality rate if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This case report highlights the clinical course of a 75-year-old female who developed a transverse mesocolic internal hernia, a subtype of transmesenteric hernia (TH), following a Hartmann reversal procedure. The patient presented to the emergency department (ED) with a sudden onset of severe, diffuse abdominal pain. Her medical history was significant for systemic lupus erythematosus, pulmonary fibrosis, multiple pulmonary embolisms, and a recent Hartmann reversal procedure the month prior. Initial imaging suggested postoperative ileus, but the patient's symptoms persisted despite conservative management. Subsequent imaging raised suspicion of an internal hernia, and on hospital day 6, an urgent diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a herniated segment of the small bowel through a defect in the transverse mesocolon with herniation into the lesser sac. The herniated bowel was successfully reduced, and the defect was repaired. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in stable condition. Transmesenteric hernias, though more common in the pediatric population, can occur in adults, particularly following abdominal surgery. Diagnosis can be challenging due to variable symptoms and imaging findings. However, prompt recognition and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent complications such as bowel ischemia and strangulation. This case underscores the importance of considering internal hernias in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO), especially in patients with a history of recent abdominal surgery. Early diagnosis and timely surgical management are essential for a favorable outcome.

Single-port laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure through the colostomy site: technical aspects and early postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Single-port laparoscopic surgical approaches offer improved cosmetic outcomes and enhance recovery following surgery. The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability and efficacy of a single-port laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal(SPL-HR) through the colostomy site. METHODS: Prospective data from consecutive patients who underwent SPL-HR between 2020 and 2024 was analysed. Once the colostomy was detached from abdominal wall, a single-port device was introduced through the colostomy site. After mobilizing the rectal stump and afferent colon, colorectal anastomosis was carried out using a circular stapler transanally under laparoscopic vision. Postoperative care and discharge decisions were made following the ERAS protocol. Patient demographics, details of Hartmann's procedure, intraoperative outcomes, and early postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: SPL-HR was successfully performed in 23 of 27 patients (85.1%), with a median operation time of 92 (50-172) min and a median blood loss of 100 (10-360) mL. Five patients (21.7%) experienced a postoperative complication. Two of them experienced grade 3a complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification: one with an intraabdominal abscess and one with a hematoma at the colostomy site, both requiring drainage under local anaesthesia. Anastomotic leak or mortality wasn't observed in patients. Functional recovery measures such as first flatus time and time to resuming a soft diet were favourable, with a median length of hospital stay of 4 (2-9) days. CONCLUSION: The SPL-HR technique is a reliable and efficient method that is easy to perform. It has acceptable complication rates while improving postoperative recovery and reducing the length of hospital stay.

Surgical Outcomes of Open and Laparoscopic Hartmann Reversal: A Single-Center Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hartmann reversal (HR) is challenging and traditionally requires a large laparotomy wound. With the development of minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's operation (HO) was attempted. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic Hartmann reversal (LHR) versus open Hartmann reversal (OHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we included 33 patients who underwent HR at Chi Mei Medical Center between January 2015 and March 2023. Ten patients received LHR, while 23 received OHR. We compared patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, early postoperative complications, and late postoperative complications between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline demographics of both groups. Compared to the open method, the LHR group had a shorter hospital stay and time to solid diet. The median length of hospital stay in the OHR and LHR groups was 15.00 (Q1-Q3: 13.00-16.00) and 11.5 (Q1-Q3: 10.00-14.00) days (p = 0.028), respectively. The median time to solid diet was 8.00 (Q1-Q3: 7.00-8.00) days in the OHR group and 5.00 (Q1-Q3: 5.00-7.00) days in the LHR group (p = 0.022). No statistical significance between the groups was noticed in early and late postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Whether using a laparoscopic or an open method, HR is challenging. In our study, patients who underwent LHR were associated with reduced hospital stays and faster bowel movements.

Primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy vs. Hartmann's procedure for acute diverticulitis: what happens after discharge? Results of a nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend resection with primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy over Hartmann's procedure if deemed safe for acute diverticulitis. The primary objective of the current study was to compare the utilization of these strategies and describe nationwide ostomy closure patterns and readmission outcomes within 1 year of discharge. METHODS: This was a retrospective, population-based, cohort study of United States Hospitals reporting to the Nationwide Readmissions Database from January 2011 to December 2019. There were 35,774 patients identified undergoing non-elective primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy or Hartmann's procedure for acute diverticulitis. Rates of ostomy closure, unplanned readmissions, and complications were compared. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to control for patient and hospital-level confounders as well as severity of disease. RESULTS: Of the 35,774 patients identified, 93.5% underwent Hartmann's procedure. Half (47.2%) were aged 46-65 years, 50.8% female, 41.2% publicly insured, and 91.7% underwent open surgery. Primary anastomosis was associated with higher rates of 1-year ostomy closure (83.6% vs. 53.4%, p < 0.001) and shorter time-to-closure [median 72 days (Interquartile range 49-103) vs. 115 (86-160); p < 0.001]. Primary anastomosis was associated with increased unplanned readmissions [Hazard Ratio = 2.83 (95% Confidence Interval 2.83-3.37); p < 0.001], but fewer complications upon stoma closure [Odds Ratio 0.51 (95% 0.42-0.63); p < 0.001]. There were no differences in complications between primary anastomosis and Hartmann's procedure during index admission [Odds Ratio = 1.13 (95% Confidence Interval 0.96-1.33); p = 0.137]. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo primary anastomosis for acute diverticulitis are more likely to undergo ostomy reversal and experience fewer postoperative complications upon stoma reversal. These data support the current national guidelines that recommend primary anastomosis in appropriate cases of acute diverticulitis requiring operative treatment.

Use of a 5-Item Modified Frailty Index for Assessing Outcomes After Hartmann's Reversal: An ACS-NSQIP Study.

BACKGROUND: Half of all patients with an end colostomy after sigmoid colectomy (Hartmann's procedure) never undergo Hartmann's reversal, frequently secondary to frailty. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the utility of a five-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) in predicting post-operative outcomes after Hartmann's reversal. METHODS: The National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database captured patients with elective Hartmann's reversals from 2011 to 2020. Clinical covariates were evaluated with univariate analysis and modified Poisson regression to determine association with overall morbidity, overall mortality, and extended length of stay (eLOS) when categorized by mFI-5 score. RESULTS: 15,172 patients underwent elective Hartmann's reversal (91.6% open and 8.4% laparoscopic). Patients were grouped by mFI-5 score (0: 48.7%, 1: 38.2%, ≥ 2: 13.1%). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed frail patients (mFI-5≥2) had increased overall mortality (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.11), morbidity (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.35), and eLOS (OR 1.12, 95% 1.02-1.23). Among frail patients, a laparoscopic approach was associated with decreased overall morbidity (OR .64, 95% CI 0.56-.73) and decreased eLOS (OR .46, 95% CI 0.39-.54) when compared to open approach. DISCUSSION: An mFI-5 of ≥2 was associated with greater morbidity, mortality, and eLOS following Hartmann's reversal. However, there were no mortality or eLOS differences in patients with an mFI-5 of 1 and only a 14% increase in any morbidity, making these patients potentially good candidates for Hartmann's reversal. Furthermore, laparoscopic surgery was associated with a protective effect for overall morbidity and eLOS, potentially mitigating some of the risk associated with higher frailty scores.

Safety of early Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: a pilot study.

Introduction: Most patients undergoing the Hartmann procedure for complicated colorectal cancer require chemotherapy because of their advanced status. Stoma created during the procedure is typically closed after the completion of postoperative chemotherapy. However, stomas can induce medical or surgical complications and disturb quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Hartmann's reversal during postoperative chemotherapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records. Between 2017 and 2021, 96 patients underwent Hartmann reversal for after colorectal cancer surgery. Among them, the number of patients who underwent Hartmann procedure with radical resection of complicated colorectal cancer and Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy was 13. The clinical, surgical, and pathological characteristics of the patients were evaluated. Results: Eight and five patients had obstructions and perforations, respectively. Two patients with synchronous liver metastases underwent simultaneous liver resection and reversal simultaneously. Five and eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and FOLFOX, respectively. The median interval between the Hartmann procedure and reversal was 3.31 months (2.69-5.59). The median operative time for Hartmann's reversal was 190 min (100-335). The median hospital stay was 10 days (7-21). Four patients (30.8%) developed postoperative complications, and the rate of 3 or higher grade according to the Clavien-Dindo classification within 90 days postoperatively was 0%. Except for 1 patient who refused continuation of chemotherapy, 12 patients completed the planned chemotherapy. Median total duration of adjuvant chemotherapy was 6.78 months (5.98-8.48). There was no mortality. Conclusion: Early Hartmann reversal during adjuvant chemotherapy is tolerable and safe in carefully selected patients. In particular, it can be used as a therapeutic option for patients with complicated colorectal cancer with synchronous resectable metastases.

[Reversal of Hartmann's procedure in patients with diverticular disease]. / Rekonstruktivno-vosstanovitel'nye vmeshatel'stva posle operatsii Gartmana u patsientov s divertikulyarnoi bolezn'yu.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze intraoperative and early postoperative results of open and laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's (HR) procedure in patients with diverticular disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective non-randomized study included 31 patients with complicated form of diverticular disease between 2018 and 2022. Patients underwent reversal of Hartmann's procedure (laparoscopic surgery - 19, laparotomy - 12). RESULTS: Mean time of laparoscopy and open surgery was 202±36.7 and 223±41 min, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications in both groups and conversions of laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure. No preventive stoma was required. Mean postoperative hospital-stay was 7.6±3.2 and 9.5±4.6 days, respectively. Overall incidence of postoperative complications was 32.2% (n=10), i.e. 4 (21%) and 6 (50%) patients in both groups, respectively. Anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient after open surgery. CONCLUSION: In our sample, incidence of complications was low after reversal of Hartmann's procedure in patients with complicated diverticular disease. There was 1 (3.2%) patient with anastomotic leakage, and no temporary stoma was formed. In patients who underwent laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure at the first stage and selected patients after open surgeries, laparoscopic reversal procedures were accompanied by no conversions. There were favorable results typical for minimally invasive surgery. Selection criteria for laparoscopic access are discussable. Large-scale studies including randomized trials are needed to verify selection criteria for minimally invasive reversal of Hartmann's procedure and demonstrate its advantages over open surgery.

One-step totally robotic Hartmann reversal and complex abdominal wall reconstruction with bilateral posterior component separation: a technical note.

AIM: This paper describes a robotic approach to combined gastrointestinal continuity restoration and complex abdominal wall reconstruction after Hartmann's procedure complicated by large midline and parastomal hernias. METHODS: A robotic Hartmann reversal is performed, followed by robotic retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction of all ventral defects with bilateral posterior component separation using the double-docking approach. Surgical steps are thoroughly described, and the accompanying video highlights critical steps of the procedure, anatomical landmarks and technical details relevant to successful completion. RESULTS: Complete restoration of the anatomy was achieved with an operative time of 6.5 h. Mobilization occured on day 1, and bowels were opened on day 3. Surgical discharge was possible on day 5. No intra-operative surgical complication occurred and follow-up at 6 months showed no recurrence or mid-term complication. CONCLUSION: Combined minimally invasive reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal wall was feasible using a robotic system. In addition, potential advantages of postoperative rehabilitation and reduced surgical site complications are suggested. Prospective evaluation of the technique is ongoing.

Impact of Frailty on Patient Outcomes after Hartmann's Reversal: A NSQIP Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colostomy reversal is a common procedure. Patients often have baseline comorbidities associated with postoperative morbidity. We utilized a modified frailty index (mFI-5) to predict postoperative complications. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective, open Hartmann's reversal were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patients were stratified to low, medium, or high frailty groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared, ANOVA, and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 9272 patients with Hartmann's reversal. 48.78%, 30.31%, and 12.89% had low, moderate, or high frailty, respectively. High frailty was associated with cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, reintubation, prolonged intubation, early reoperation, and mortality. After multivariate analysis, high frailty was associated with prolonged intubation (OR 3.147, P = .001), reintubation (OR 2.548, P = .002), and reoperation (OR 1.67, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was associated with greater risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing Hartmann's reversal. Frailty may be a useful adjunct to stratify for patients who are at risk for postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic versus open Hartmann reversal: a propensity score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes between laparoscopic Hartmann reversal (LHR) and open Hartmann reversal (OHR) in patients who had undergone Hartmann surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: The patients who underwent Hartmann reversal (HR) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from Jun 2013 to Jun 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The LHR group and the OHR group were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients who underwent Hartmann reversal (HR) were enrolled in this study. There were 48 (53.9%) patients in the LHR group and 41 (46.1%) patients in the OHR group. After 1:1 ratio PSM, no difference in baseline information remained (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications (p > 0.05) before and after PSM. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, pre-operative albumin < 42.0 g/L was an independent risk factor (p = 0.013 < 0.05, OR = 0.248, 95% CI = 0.083-0.741) for the HR-related complications; however, LHR/OHR was not a predictive risk factor (p = 0.663, OR = 1.250, 95% CI = 0.500-3.122). CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence, although there was no difference in short-term prognosis, LHR still had some advantages considering that it was less invasive to the patient.

Which factors influence the decision to perform Hartmann's reversal in various causative disease situations? A retrospective cohort study between 2006 and 2021.

AIM: Our aim was to investigate the predictive factors for Hartmann's reversal and to describe the differences in the rates and timings of Hartmann's reversal for various causative diseases. METHOD: In this multicentre retrospective cohort study patients who underwent Hartmann's procedure (HP) between 2006 and 2018 were enrolled. To describe the demographic patterns of Hartmann's reversal through to 2021, we analysed the cumulative incidence rate of Hartmann's reversal over time based on the Kaplan-Meier failure estimate. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed with cluster-adjusted robust standard errors to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the assessment of variables associated with colostomy reversal. RESULTS: Of 250 patients who underwent the index HP and survived to discharge, 112 (45%) underwent subsequent Hartmann's reversal (36% for malignant and 51% for benign disease). The causative diseases with the highest probability of colostomy reversal were trauma (85%) and diverticular disease (73%). Conversely, colostomy reversal was performed in only 16% for colonic volvulus and 17% for bowel ischaemia. Home discharge after index HP (HR 5.22, 95% CI 3.31-8.23) and a higher body mass index (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04) were associated with a higher probability of Hartmann's reversal, whereas older age, malignant disease and a history of cardiovascular and psychoneurological diseases were independently associated with a lower probability of colostomy reversal. CONCLUSION: The probability and timing of Hartmann's reversal varied considerably with the surgical indications for colostomy creation. Our results could help surgeons counsel patients and their families regarding stoma closure surgery to set realistic expectations.

Functional outcome after Hartmann's reversal surgery using LARS, COREFO & QoL scores.

BACKGROUND: Functional complaints after colorectal surgery have a profound effect on quality of life (QoL). Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of functional complaints and quality of life after Hartmann's reversal surgery. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed where one hundred nineteen patients were included. All patients underwent Hartmann's reversal procedure between 2007 and 2019. All patients were asked to complete 3 validated questionnaires related to bowel function in benign and colorectal cancer surgery as well as general QoL. RESULTS: The response rate was 67%. Among responders, 32.8% reported LARS-like symptoms whereas 25% had significant COREFO Scores (>15). Higher LARS and COREFO scores were significantly associated with worse global QoL and several QoL domain scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the prevalence of bowel dysfunction after Hartmann's reversal surgery. Patients undergoing this procedure show similar functional complaints compared to those in literature who had a resection without colostomy.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure: timelines, preoperative investigations and early outcomes. A single Australian institution's ten-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Real-world data on outcomes following Hartmann's reversal is necessary to help optimize the patient experience. We have explored the timing between the index operation and its reversal; what investigations were carried out prior to this, and the associated short-term outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent Hartmann's reversal from 2010 to 2020 within a tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. One hundred from a total of 406 (25%) who underwent an emergency Hartmann's procedure had a subsequent reversal. Complete patient data was available for 83 of these patients. RESULTS: The average patient age was 60 years, and the median time for reversal was 14.0 (IQR 10-23) months. Seventy-nine of 83 (95%) reversals had a preoperative endoscopic evaluation of both their rectal stump and a complete colonoscopy. Stoma stenosis (n = 2), patient refusal (n = 1) and emergency reversal (n = 1) were cited reasons for not undergoing preoperative endoscopic evaluation. A third (n = 28, 34%) had a computed tomography prior to reversal; the majority was due to their underlying cancer surveillance (n = 21, 75%). Reversal was associated with a morbidity rate of 47% (n = 39). Surgical site infections (SSIs) (n = 21, 25%) were the most common type of complications encountered, with the majority being superficial (n = 15, 71%). SSIs were associated with steroid use (5/21 versus 4/62, p = 0.03) and greater hospital length of stay (6 versus 10 days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Only a quarter of emergency Hartmann's procedures within our institution were reversed. A significant proportion developed postoperative complications. Surgical site infection was the most common morbidity.

The suspended ileal loop for difficult Hartmann's reversal.

BACKGROUND: Hartmann's reversal can be complicated by the presence of dense adhesions in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, difficulties in freeing the splenic flexure with the risk of splenic tears, a lack of sufficient colonic length, the risk of ureteral lesion, or the risk of lesions of the vascular arcade. METHODS: We propose a technique which consists of interposing an adapted segment of ileal loop between the end of the proximal colon and the rectum to restore intestinal continuity. RESULTS: Two patients had Hartmann procedure, the first for a Hinchey stage 4 perforated diverticulitis and the second for a colorectal fistula due to ischemia of the proximal colonic segment. Hartmann's reversal was expected to be difficult, so a suspended ileal loop was used. The outcomes were uneventful, and functional results were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: A suspended ileal loop could be used as a salvage procedure in some cases of potentially difficult Hartmann's reversal.

Hartmann's Reversal is More Complex Than Elective Left Colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hartmann's reversal (HR) is associated with significant technical complexity and morbidity. The decision to perform HR is difficult and up to 50% of patients with colostomies do not undergo a reversal. To better guide surgeons and patients with this decision, we sought to assess the surgical risks and outcomes of HR as compared to elective left colectomy (LC). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database at a tertiary medical center. Patients undergoing elective Hartmann's reversal and left colectomy between January 2014 and November 2021 were identified. We compared preoperative variables, intraoperative events, and short-term postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: 135 patients were identified: 30 HR and 105 LC. There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative comorbidities between HR and LC. There were more open and fewer robotic cases in HR (23.3% vs 2.9%, P < .0001; 46.6% vs 76.0%, P < .01). Total operative time was significantly longer in HR than LC (261.8 vs 211.7 minutes, P = .02). There was a significantly higher percentage of intraoperative complications in HR (13.3% vs 1.9%, P < .01). There was a significantly higher rate of minor postoperative complications in HR than LC (46.7% vs 26.7%, P = .04), but not major (6.7% vs 5.8%, P = .85). Time to first flatus/bowel movement was significantly longer in HR than LC (3.6 vs 2.5 days, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Hartmann's reversal is a more technically challenging operation than elective left colectomy and is associated with significantly higher rates of intraoperative and minor postoperative complications. Future studies should focus on mitigating these risk factors to optimize patient outcomes.

Hartmann's reversal is associated with worse outcomes compared to elective left colectomy: A NSQIP analysis of 36,794 cases.

BACKGROUND: Hartmann's reversal (HR) is associated with significant technical difficulty and morbidity. Using the ACS-NSQIP database, we assessed the outcomes of HR as compared to elective left colectomy (LC). METHODS: The 2016-2019 ACS-NSQIP datasets were queried to identify patients undergoing HR and elective LC. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, and short-term surgical outcomes were evaluated using both univariable and multivariable methods. RESULTS: The study included 7,632 HR cases and 29,162 LC cases. The HR group had more patients with ASA grade III (50% vs. 42.4%). HR had more open-operative cases (69.4 vs. 18.5%) and longer mean operative times (213 vs. 191 min) than LC. Postoperatively, the HR group had a longer mean hospital stay (5.5 vs. 4.1 days) and higher complication rate (18.3% vs. 10.3%). HR was associated with increased odds of having a concurrent ileostomy (OR 2.11), deep space/organ infection (OR 1.55), and at least one complication (OR 1.56). CONCLUSION: HR is a more challenging operation with patients who fared worse than their LC counterparts. Consideration should be given to alternatives of the index Hartmann's procedure.

Reconstrucción poscirugía de Hartmann / Stoma reversal after the Hartmann's procedure

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la reconstrucciónn del tránsito intestinal luego de una operación de Hartmann es un procedimiento habitualmente complejo y con alta morbilidad. Objetivo: analizar la tasa de reconstrucción después de la cirugía de Hartmann y resultados posoperatorios en nuestra experiencia. Material y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de pacientes a los que se les practicó la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal posterior a una cirugía de Hartmann en un período 16 años. Revisamos la bibliografía y nuestra base de datos. Luego traspasamos la información disponible a una grilla de datos construida con variables habitualmente analizadas en la literatura. Finalmente, analizamos los resultados mediante medidas básicas de tendencia central. Resultados: en 16 años realizamos 92 operaciones de Hartmann, de las cuales 69 (75%) llegaron a la reconstrucción. Edad promedio: 58 años. El 52% de los pacientes fueron hombres. La operación de Hartmann fue de urgencia en el 48% y 58% resultaron malignas. Tiempo transcurrido hasta la reconstrucción: en promedio, 9 meses, y el 90% (N 62) de los casos se realizó por vía laparoscópica. Morbilidad general 38% y ajustada a los grados III y IV de Clavien-Dindo fue 11,5%. No hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos son semejantes a los publicados y nuestra experiencia nos motiva a continuar eligiendo el abordaje laparoscópico.

ABSTRACT Background: Background: Stoma reversal after Hartman's operation is usually a complex procedure and is associated high morbidity. Objective: To analyze the rate of reversal after the Hartmann's procedure and the postoperative outcomes in our experience. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing reversal after the Hartmann's procedure over a 16-year period with review of the literature and of our database and transferred the available information to a data grid constructed with variables commonly analyzed in the literature. Finally, we analyzed the results using basic measures of central tendency. Results: Over a 16-year period, we performed 92 Hartmann's operations; 69 (75%) reached the reversal stage. Mean age was 58 years and 52% were men. Forty-eight percent of the Hartmann's procedures were emergency surgeries and 58% were due to cancer. Mean time to reversal was 9 months and 90% (n = 62) were laparoscopic procedures. Overall morbidity and adjusted for complications grade III and IV of the Clavien-Dindo classification were 38% and 11.5%, respectively. None of the patients died. Conclusion: The results obtained are similar to those published and our experience motivates us to continue choosing the laparoscopic approach.

Colostomy Reversal following Hartmann's Procedure: The Importance of Timing in Short- and Long-Term Complications: A Retrospective Multicentric Study.

The restoration of bowel continuity following Hartmann's Procedure (HP) has been reported hitherto with high morbidity and mortality rates. No clear guidelines exist about timing in Hartmann's Reversal (HR), the literature data being conflicting. We have sought to investigate the effect of the interval time between HP and HR in short- and long-term HR outcomes through a retrospective study based on consecutive patients undergoing HR between 2009 and 2017 in two regional hospitals in Italy. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, intra- and post-operative data, as well as early complications, were recorded. Long-term data were collected on the surgical site occurrences of Incisional Ventral Hernia (IVH). One hundred and five patients were recruited for the study. Late HR, female gender, and long operating time were related to the highest incidence of peri-operative complications. Patients who developed IVH had undergone HR at significantly shorter times and had a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). The timing of HR seems to be an important variable linked to the onset of early and late post-operative complications. The patients submitted to early HR show a significantly lower complication rate but, at the same time, a higher rate of IVH incidence after restorative surgery. These data, in our opinion, reflect the need for planning, where possible, an early restoration of bowel continuity after HP.

Abordaje abierto versus laparoscópico para la reconstitución del tránsito luego de la cirugía de Hartmann: resultados de una experiencia de 10 años / Open versus laparoscopic approach for Hartmann's reversal: results of a 10-year retrospective cohort study

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados perioperatorios del abordaje abierto (AA) con el abordaje laparoscópico (AL) para la reconstitución de tránsito (RT), y determinar factores de riesgo asociados a morbilidad posoperatoria. Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron pacientes consecutivos sometidos a RT entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2016 en nuestro centro. Se excluyeron aquellos con grandes hernias incisionales que requirieran reparación abierta simultánea. Se consignaron variables demográficas y perioperatorias, y se compararon ambos grupos. Además, se realizó una regresión logística para la identificación de factores de riesgo asociados a morbilidad posoperatoria en la serie. Resultados: Se realizaron 101 RT en el período. Se excluyeron 14 casos por hernia incisional, por lo que se analizaron 87 casos (46 AA y 41 AL). Diez pacientes en el grupo AL (24,4%) requirieron conversión, principalmente por adherencias. La morbilidad total de la serie fue de 36,8%, siendo mayor en el AA (50% vs 21,9%, p = 0,007). Hubo una filtración anastomótica en cada grupo. La estadía posoperatoria fue de 5 (3-52) días para el AL y 7 (4-36) días para el AA (p < 0,001). En la regresión logística, sólo el AA fue un factor de riesgo independientemente asociado a morbilidad posoperatoria (OR 2,89, IC 95% 1,11-7,49; p = 0,029). Conclusión: El abordaje laparoscópico se asocia a menor morbilidad y estadía posoperatoria que el abordaje abierto para la reconstitución del tránsito pos-Hartmann. En nuestra serie, el abordaje abierto fue el único factor independientemente asociado a morbilidad posoperatoria.

Introduction: Hartmann's reversal (HR) is considered a technically demanding procedure and is associated with high morbidity rates. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative results of the open approach (OA) with the laparoscopic approach (LA) for HR, and to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity. Material and Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing HR between January 2007 and December 2016 at a university hospital were included. Patients with large incisional hernias that required an open approach a priori were excluded from the analysis. Demographic and perioperative variables were recorded. Analytical statistics were carried out to compare both groups, and a logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity in the series. Results: A hundred and one HR were performed during the study period. Fourteen cases were excluded due to large incisional hernias, so 87 cases (46 OA and 41 LA) were analyzed. Ten patients in the LA group (24.4%) required conversion, mainly due to adhesions. The total morbidity of the series was 36.8%, being higher in the OA group (50% vs. 21.9%, p = 0.007). There was one case of anastomotic leakage in each group. The length of stay was 5 (3-52) days for LA and 7 (4-36) days for OA (p < 0.001). In the logistic regression, the OA was the only independent risk factor associated with postoperative morbidity in HR (OR 2.89, IC 95% 1.11-7.49; p = 0.029). Conclusion: A laparoscopic approach is associated with less morbidity and a shorter length of stay compared to the open approach for Hartmann's reversal. An open approach was the only factor independently associated with postoperative morbidity in our series.

Is laparoscopy a reliable alternative to laparotomy in Hartmann's reversal? An updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on and updated meta-analysis of surgical postoperative complications after laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal (LHR) and open Hartmann's reversal (OHR). METHODS: Studies comparing LHR versus OHR published from inception until June 2020 were selected and submitted to a systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles were searched in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Trials Register databases. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0. RESULTS: Twenty-three retrospective comparative studies (including 5 case-controlled studies) with a total of 3139 patients with LHR and a total of 10,325 patients with OHR were included. Meta-analysis showed that LHR was significantly associated with a decreased rate of revision surgery (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.60-0.89, p < 0.001), anastomotic leakage (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49-0.75, p < 0.00001), postoperative morbidity (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.47-0.58, p < 0.00001), intra-abdominal abscess (OR = 0.67 [0.52-0.87], 95% CI = , p = 0.003), wound abscess (OR = 0.53 [0.46-0.61], 95% CI = , p < 0.00001), and postoperative ileus (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29-0.72, p = 0.0008), respectively. Conversely, mortality was comparable between LHR and OHR. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LHR significantly improved surgical postoperative outcomes. However, considering the low level of evidence, further randomized trials are required to validate these findings.