Pelvic sepsis after extended Hartmann's procedure

An extended Hartmann's procedure is occasionally useful in rectal resections, because anastomotic, perineal, and functional problems are eliminated. This study was designed to examine the occurrence of pelvic sepsis after this procedure and identify possible risk factors. Medical records were available for 163 patients (89 females) undergoing rectal resection with colostomy and closure of the rectal remnant. Information about pelvic sepsis and possible risk factors was obtained by review of the medical records. Pelvis sepsis developed in 31 of 163 patients (18.6 percent). When the rectum had been transected