TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was first described by Buess et al in 1983, as a procedure of minimally invasive surgery for full-thickness resection of benign rectal lesions. The advantages of this approach, compared with transanal excision, were superior visualization, improved access to proximal lesions, increased rates of negative margins, decreased fragmentation of specimens and lower recurrence rates. The indications quickly expanded and nowadays T1 N0 rectal tumors can be performed using this approach, furthermore it can be an alternative in patients with advanced lesions with contraindication for radical resection. Benefits of a TEM procedure are reducing the adverse effects of radical rectal surgery, minor postoperative complications, lower rates of anorectal, urinary and sexual dysfunction.