Minimally Invasive Transanal Surgery

About This Procedure

Franciscan Health is one of the few places in central Indiana where you can have transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). Both of these procedures work to remove early-stage rectal cancers and advanced rectal polyps. Your doctor will determine whether a Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) or Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach is best.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an advanced rectal cancer procedure. Your colorectal surgeon uses an endoscope to remove polyps tissue growths) and early rectal cancers. While traditional rectal cancer surgery involves a large abdominal incision and a lengthy recovery, TEM:

• Does not involve any incisions; the endoscope is inserted through the anus and rectum
• Avoids the need for an ostomy (a surgically made hole that allows stool or urine to leave your body)
• Often done as an outpatient or a single night in the hospital
• Decreases bleeding and pain
• Reduces recovery time

Robotic-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)

Our colorectal surgeons may also use robotic-assisted surgery to treat early cancers and advanced polyps. The da Vinci® Surgical System allows surgeons greater precision and control when performing your procedure. The benefits of this procedure are the same as the TEM allowing patients to go home typically the same day. Franciscan Health has access to the latest models of the da Vinci® Surgical System so we can offer the most cutting edge treatments at either campus.

Franciscan Health is one of the only health systems in central Indiana offering TEM and TAMIS. Our colorectal surgeons perform transanal endoscopic microsurgery at Franciscan Health Mooresville and robotic assisted TAMIS is performed at Franciscan Health Mooresville and Franciscan Health Indianapolis.