Laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure.

BACKGROUND Colostomy closure after a Hartmann's procedure typically requires a laparotomy. It also carries the risk of significant morbidity including anastomotic leak, wound infection, and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure. METHODS After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing laparoscopic colostomy reversal between July 1997 and July 2004. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were identified; all patients had left colon colostomies. A laparoscopic technique was used in 21 patients, and 1 patient underwent hand-assisted colostomy reversal concurrently with right radical nephrectomy. The laparoscopic approach was successful in 20 cases, and there were 2 conversions to open (9%) secondary to dense adhesions around the rectal stump. The mean time to closure of the colostomy was 168 days (range 69-385 days). The mean operative time was 158 minutes (range 84-356 minutes). The estimated blood loss averaged 114 mL (range 30-250 mL). The average length of hospitalization was 4.2 days (range 2-6 days). Bowel function returned on an average of 3.5 days (range 2-5 days). Three patients (14%) developed postoperative wound infections. There were no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. At a mean follow-up of 14.7 months, the only long-term complication has been a small hernia at a colostomy site. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic colostomy reversal after Hartmann's procedure can be performed with low morbidity and a short hospital stay. The need for conversion to open surgery is uncommon despite patients' previous surgeries. A laparoscopic approach to colostomy takedown is safe and feasible and may result in a reduction in complications and length of stay as has been seen with other minimally invasive procedures.