What does Hartmann’s procedure entail?

Hartmann's procedure involves the resection of the sigmoid colon along with the creation of an end colostomy. This surgical approach is typically utilized in cases where there is a need to treat conditions such as diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, or other significant issues within the sigmoid colon or rectum, especially when immediate anastomosis may not be feasible or safe.

In this procedure, the affected segment of the colon is removed, and the distal colonic segment is sealed off, while the proximal segment is brought out through the abdominal wall to form a colostomy. This allows for the passage of stool via the colostomy bag, bypassing the rectum and any obstructed portions of the bowel.

The essence of Hartmann's procedure is its emphasis on managing a surgical emergency or a situation that might compromise the patient's health, while also accounting for the need to plan for a potential future reconstruction when the patient is stable enough. This is crucial since it provides immediate relief from acute pathology, allowing the bowel to rest while a definitive surgical solution can be planned later.

Other choices, while surgical procedures, do not align with the characteristics and purposes of Hartmann's procedure. Each alternative involves different intestinal anatomy and surgical strategies that serve distinct clinical indications