What does Hartmann's procedure involve?

Hartmann's procedure is primarily performed in the context of managing certain colorectal conditions, such as bowel obstruction or traumatic injury, where resection of the affected bowel is necessary. The procedure specifically entails the surgical resection of a portion of the rectum, leaving the proximal colon in continuity. Importantly, the distal rectal stump is then closed off, and a colostomy is formed from the proximal colon, allowing for an alternative route for fecal diversion.

By closing the rectal stump, the Hartmann's procedure effectively removes the diseased or damaged section of the bowel while managing any potential complications arising from a lack of continuity in the bowel. This technique allows for a two-stage process where, if the patient later recovers sufficiently, a reversal of the colostomy and reconstruction of bowel continuity can be performed.

In contrast, the other options represent different surgical interventions that do not accurately describe the Hartmann's procedure. For example, complete removal of the colon is more indicative of a total colectomy rather than a Hartmann's procedure, which only involves a segment. Similarly, partial removal of the rectum with colostomy does not capture the full action of closing the distal stump, and repair of the sigmoid colon suggests a different surgical goal