Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal cancer

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a technique that allows high quality local excision of benign rectal neoplasms and early-stage rectal cancers. These lesions can be located more proximal that those treated with conventional transanal excision. Operative costs are minimized and access to the technique is expanded with utilization of conventional laparoscopic instruments. Good oncologic outcomes can be achieved for local excision of early rectal cancers, but its role in the surgical treatment of more advanced tumors is still being evaluated. As with all surgical techniques, appropriate training must be ensured and continued assessment of oncologic outcomes maintained.