TAMIS: Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery
TAMIS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove early-stage localised rectal tumours and polyps through the anus. The operation uses a special port, camera and endoscopic instruments without an abdominal incision.
- Incisions
- Through the anus, without incisions
- Hospital stay
- Same day or next day
- Return to work
- 1 day
What is TAMIS surgery?
TAMIS stands for transanal minimally invasive surgery. With this technique, the surgeon reaches the rectal tumour through the anal canal and removes it without opening the abdominal cavity.
The technique is used for small, localised rectal tumours at an early stage. It is one of the preferred surgical options when the tumour is confined to the mucosa or submucosa and lymph node removal, or lymph node dissection, is not required. In these cases, it allows complete removal of early-stage cancer.
TAMIS is also used as an alternative to open surgery. It is considered a safer surgical approach for patients whose general condition makes them unsuitable for open surgery and who have a high anaesthetic risk.
When is TAMIS used?
Early T1-stage rectal cancer, including T1N0 rectal cancer and T1-stage malignant polyps
Large polyps or polyps that are difficult to remove
Tumours confined to the mucosa
Lesions that cannot be completely removed endoscopically
Localised residual tumours after chemotherapy
Rectal carcinoid tumour
How is the operation performed?
A flexible port, a special access device for the camera and instruments, is placed in the anal canal. The working space is expanded with gas, and the operation is performed inside the rectum using a special laparoscopic system.
The surgeon views three-dimensional images from a high-resolution 3D camera on a screen. Microsurgical instruments are used to remove the tumour with its margins. This imaging provides a clear view of the surgical field and allows a controlled procedure.
The abdominal cavity remains unopened throughout the operation. Because access is through the anus, there is no external abdominal incision and no stitches or scars on the body surface.
Benefits of TAMIS
A procedure without opening the abdominal cavity, with little tissue trauma
Precise surgery under high-resolution three-dimensional imaging
Minimal postoperative pain and a recovery period that may be pain-free
Short hospital stay and recovery period, with a quick return to daily life
No external stitches or scars
Preservation of rectal and sphincter function, and quality of life
Recovery after surgery
Pain after surgery is usually mild, and recovery may be pain-free. Limited tissue damage helps healing.
Normal eating and mobility return in the first few days. This usually happens within 24 to 48 hours.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TAMIS suitable for every rectal tumour?
TAMIS is used for small, localised rectal tumours at an early stage. Important factors in choosing this technique are confinement of the tumour to the mucosa or submucosa and no need for lymph node removal.
Is TAMIS possible if a polyp was not completely removed during endoscopy?
TAMIS may be used for lesions that cannot be completely removed endoscopically. Large polyps and polyps that are difficult to remove are also treated using this technique.
Does the operation affect my bowel control?
One benefit of TAMIS is preservation of rectal and sphincter function. The sphincter is the muscle that helps maintain continence.
Can the removed tumour recur?
When the tumour is removed with clear margins, the risk of recurrence is very low. However, the possibility of recurrence is not completely eliminated.