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Beverly Hills · 435 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 308Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pmMost PPO insurance accepted
Allen KamravaMD · MBA · FACS · FASCRS

Procedure

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

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1-7 days
Success rate
Greater than 95% (benign lesions)
Recurrence
4-10% (for T1 cancers)

What it is

What is Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) is a modern, minimally invasive surgical technique for the local excision of benign polyps and early-stage cancers in the rectum. TAMIS utilizes standard laparoscopic single-port devices and instruments, which are adapted for transanal use. A flexible port is placed in the anus, the rectum is insufflated with carbon dioxide, and laparoscopic instruments are used to perform a precise, full-thickness excision of the tumor. TAMIS offers many of the same benefits as TEMS, such as excellent visualization and access to mid and upper rectal lesions, but with the advantage of using familiar laparoscopic equipment and at a lower capital cost.

Am I a candidate?

Who is a Good Candidate for TAMIS?

Ideal candidates for TAMIS are patients with large benign rectal adenomas that cannot be removed colonoscopically, or highly selected patients with early-stage (T1) rectal cancers with favorable characteristics (small size, well-differentiated, no lymphovascular invasion). The procedure is particularly well-suited for lesions in the mid and upper rectum that would be difficult or impossible to remove with standard transanal excision. It serves as an excellent platform for 'excisional biopsy' of lesions where the depth of invasion is uncertain.

Recovery

What is the Recovery Like?

Recovery after TAMIS is typically very fast with minimal downtime. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Postoperative pain is minimal and managed with simple analgesics. A normal diet and light activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately two weeks. Maintaining soft stools with a high-fiber diet is important to avoid straining during the healing period.

Risks & considerations

What are the Risks?

TAMIS is a safe procedure with a risk profile similar to TEMS. Potential risks include:

  • Bleeding: Minor bleeding from the excision site is common. Significant bleeding is rare.
  • Perforation: There is a small risk of entering the peritoneal cavity, particularly for high anterior lesions. This can often be closed transanally but may necessitate a laparoscopic or open abdominal operation.
  • Infection: Pelvic infection or abscess is an uncommon complication.
  • Functional Changes: Temporary alterations in bowel function, such as frequency or urgency, may occur. The risk of permanent incontinence is very low.
  • Recurrence: For malignant lesions, local recurrence is a risk, particularly if the tumor is found to be more advanced than predicted preoperatively.

Sources

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