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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

Hartmann procedure

Pronunciation: HART-mən

Surgical procedure involving resection of diseased sigmoid colon with closure of the rectal stump and creation of an end colostomy. Common emergency surgery for complicated diverticulitis.

Full Definition

A surgical procedure named after French surgeon Henri Hartmann, involving resection of the sigmoid colon with closure or oversewing of the distal rectal stump and creation of an end colostomy from the proximal colon. This operation is frequently performed in emergency settings for conditions such as perforated diverticulitis, sigmoid volvulus, or obstructing colorectal cancer when primary anastomosis is contraindicated due to infection, inflammation, or patient instability.

Usage

Usage note: May be written as 'Hartmann procedure' or 'Hartmann's procedure'; both forms acceptable.

In Context

  • "Given the extent of peritoneal contamination, a Hartmann procedure was performed with plans for reversal in three months." — Operative report
  • "The patient underwent successful Hartmann procedure for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis." — Discharge summary

Also known as

Hartmann's operation sigmoid resection with colostomy

Contrasted with

primary anastomosis

Don't confuse with

Hartmann's pouch sigmoid colectomy
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