taTME — FAQs
Is taTME minimally invasive?
-Yes, there are still abdominal scars (it’s done in combination with laparoscopy and robotic surgery)
Can taTME be done all transanally without any scars?
-Yes, but this is extremely rare
Does taTME require you to have a temporary bag (ileostomy)?
-Most times, especially in the setting of prior radiation therapy, a temporary bag is required
What is the main reason taTME is important?
-It provides surgeons with better access to tumors of the rectum, and this may mean a better surgical approach to removing the tumor completely
What’s the difference between TAMIS and taTME?
-TAMIS is a platform. It allows surgeons a way to access the rectum and pelvis, sort of like ‘mini-laparoscopy’. TAMIS was developed for and is mainly used to excise or ‘carve out’ rectal tumors. Not all rectal tumors can be carved out like this however, because they would just grow back. A more complete method is to remove an entire portion of the rectum and its surrounding lymph nodes — TAMIS is used as a way to do that, and this operation is called taTME. TAMIS is generally done without any abdominal incisions. taTME is almost always done with abdominal incisions.
Can I go home the same day?
-For TAMIS, most often patients are discharged the day of surgery to home or admitted for observation and are discharged the following morning. taTME requires an admission to the hospital and is not an outpatient operation. Typically, the hospital stay ranges from 3-5 days.
Are there risks with taTME?
-The risks are the same as with any other minimally invasive operation for rectal cancer, with one exception. There is a risk of damage to the urethra in men undergoing the procedure, something that typically is not a risk with other approaches. This is one reason that it is very important for colorectal surgeons to receive special training on this complex operation.