Laparoscopic Hartmann's Reversal Procedure: In the Absence of Standardized Guidelines, we Started a Database of Patient Submitted Reversal Hartman With Standard Technique and Laparoscopic Technique, Prospectively for One Year and a Follow-up Period of 6 Months

Several studies have shown laparoscopic technique's advantages, including more rapid post-operative recovery, less post-operative pain, earlier restoration of bowel function, more rapid return to normal diet, and reduced morbidity but it could still remain a complicated operation due to adhesions and difficulty in identifying the rectal stump. Nevertheless, nowadays laparoscopic technique has largely become part of clinical practice even for younger surgeons. Assumed this, and in the lack of prospective studies, we aimed to confirm the advantages of laparoscopic Hartmann reversal (LHR) by confirming the difference in peri-operative outcomes and postoperative complications.

In clinical practice, the first question to be asked is whether there is a right timing for a patient to undergo Hartmann's reversal procedure and whether timing influences the incidence of complications (short-terms and long-terms outcomes). Another aim of the study is to investigate if the length of rectal stump influences the outcome of Hartmann's reversal surgery.