Management of postoperative peritonitis after anterior resection

Abstract

Extensive intra-abdominal infection after anterior resection may be efficiently controlled by a surgical approach combining peritoneal debridement, fecal diversion, and capillary drainage of the pelvis. Intestinal continuity may be restored after diversion stoma or Hartmann's procedure after high anterior resection. This is not the case after a Hartmann's operation after a low colorectal anastomosis, and this procedure should be avoided whenever possible.