The controversy of management of left-sided colon obstructions: our experience

Purpose The controversy of treatment of acute colonic obstruction between the classical Hartmann’s procedure (HP) and the on-table lavage technique with primary colorectal anastomosis (PCA) for a safe, tolerable, and definitive operation with the least complications is still standing. So we conducted this prospective study to distinguish between both techniques as regards the efficacy and safety. Methods In group A ( n _ 30) the conventional Hartmann’s procedure was done by colonic resection and construction of left-sided stoma. In the B group ( n _ 30), colonic resection was followed by colonic lavage, then a primary two-layered anastomosis with covering ileostomy was performed. Results The whole postoperative outcomes were comparable between both techniques. Conclusions We believe that on table lavage technique with colorectal anastomosis is a notable choice during the treatment of acute obstruction of the left colon.