Transanal minimally invasive surgery: an initial experience

• Published in: ANZ journal of surgery Vol. 84; no. 3; pp. 177 - 180
• Main Authors: Slack, Timothy, Wong, Shing, Muhlmann, Mark
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-03-2014
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anal Canal; Colorectal surgery; Digestive System Surgical Procedures - methods; Histology; Humans; Male; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Rectal Neoplasms - surgery; Surgical outcomes; Surgical techniques; TAMIS; transanal resection; Tumors; TAMIS; transanal resection
• ISSN: 1445-1433; 1445-2197
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2012.06320.x

Background
Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a novel approach used for the resection of rectal lesions. The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with TAMIS.
Methods
Between March 2012 and May 2012, we collected clinical data on patients who underwent the TAMIS procedure. This included patient demographics, tumour characteristics, operative technique, histological results and post‐operative outcomes.
Results
Three patients successfully underwent TAMIS resection of rectal lesions. All tumours were tubulovillous adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia, with one also having a small focus of adenocarcinoma. Clear margins were achieved in all cases. One case was complicated by a post‐operative bleed, requiring a return to theatre.
Conclusions
TAMIS is a feasible and cost‐effective alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery for resection of rectal lesions. It may have a shorter learning curve, especially for laparoscopic surgeons already proficient in single‐port procedures.