Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery

Introduction

Transanal minimally invasive surgery, also referred to as 'transanal endoscopic microsurgery' (and abbreviated to 'TAMIS' or 'TEMS' respectively), is a procedure to allow the removal of large polyps or pre-cancers in the rectum.

It is an alternative to polypectomy performed during a colonoscopy and is a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure performed under a general anaesthetic.

Procedure

During the procedure, laparoscopic surgical instruments are introduced via the anus through a special device or port. The rectum is inflated with carbon dioxide to obtain a view and polyps are then removed. Once any polyps have been removed, the rectum can be repaired using sutures however this is not always necessary. As with all procedures involving removal of polyps, tissue samples from the polyps are sent for analysis to determine whether any cancerous tissue is present.

Postoperative Instructions

Most patients are able to return home on the same day as surgery or the day after. There is generally very little pain after this procedure, but if there is this can be controlled with pain medication. It is common for bowel movements to increase in frequency and urgency for up to 2 weeks after surgery and for bowel motions to be looser than normal.

Risks

The risks of transanal minimally invasive surgery include: