Dr Suraj Manjunath is a senior Surgical Oncologist at Apollo Hospitals who offers TAMIS and Robotic TAMIS Surgery in Bangalore for carefully selected rectal polyps and early rectal tumors. These minimally invasive procedures remove suitable lesions through the anus without an abdominal incision. Suitability depends on the tumor’s size, location, depth, stage, and risk of lymph node involvement.
TAMIS stands for transanal minimally invasive surgery. It is an advanced form of local excision used to remove certain growths from inside the rectum.
During the procedure, a soft access port is placed through the anus. A camera and fine surgical instruments are passed through this port. Carbon dioxide gas gently expands the rectum, creating enough space for the surgeon to see and operate.
The tumor is carefully separated from the surrounding rectal wall. Depending on the diagnosis and depth of the lesion, part or all of the thickness of the rectal wall may be removed with the tumor. The specimen is taken out intact whenever possible and sent for detailed pathological examination.
The opening in the rectal wall may then be closed with sutures, depending on its size, location, and the circumstances of the operation.
TAMIS differs from a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist may remove many small or uncomplicated polyps. TAMIS is generally considered when a lesion is larger, deeper, difficult to access endoscopically, or requires a more precise surgical excision.
It also differs from major rectal cancer surgery. TAMIS removes the tumor locally but does not remove the surrounding lymph nodes and fatty tissue around the rectum. This distinction is extremely important when considering TAMIS for early rectal cancer.
Robotic TAMIS, also called rTAMIS or robot-assisted TAMIS, follows the same basic principle as conventional TAMIS. The operation is performed through the anus, but the surgeon uses a robotic surgical platform to control the camera and instruments.
The robot does not make decisions or perform the operation independently. I remain in complete control of every movement from the surgeon’s console.
The robotic platform may offer:
These features can be helpful for tumors in challenging positions, including some lesions on the front or side wall of the rectum, higher rectal lesions, or cases requiring precise suturing.
However, robotic TAMIS surgery in Bangalore is not automatically better for every patient. Conventional TAMIS may be equally suitable for a straightforward and accessible lesion. Robotic surgery can also involve additional equipment, setup, and cost.
I choose between conventional TAMIS, robotic TAMIS, and other surgical approaches according to the location and complexity of the tumor—not simply because one method is newer.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a rectal polyp or tumor, you may be worried about major surgery, a long recovery, or the possibility of needing a stoma. These concerns are understandable.
Some rectal tumors can be removed through the anus using a specialized technique called transanal minimally invasive surgery, or TAMIS. Because the procedure is performed through the body’s natural opening, there is usually no abdominal incision.
I am Dr. Suraj Manjunath, a Surgical Oncologist in Bangalore, associated with Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road and Apollo Hospitals, Sarjapur Road.
For selected patients, TAMIS surgery in Bangalore can provide a less invasive alternative to conventional rectal surgery. It may help preserve the rectum, the anal sphincter, and normal bowel continuity.
However, the word “minimally invasive” should not be the only reason for choosing this operation. The decision depends on:
- Whether the lesion is benign or cancerous
- The stage and depth of the tumor
- Its size and exact location in the rectum
- Its appearance on MRI, colonoscopy, and other investigations
- Whether nearby lymph nodes appear suspicious
- The patient’s health and fitness for surgery
My goal is to explain these factors clearly so that you and your family can make an informed decision.
This page will help you understand what TAMIS surgery in Bangalore involves, its possible benefits and risks, and how we assess whether it is appropriate.
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TAMIS may be considered for:
Some benign rectal polyps cannot be removed completely or safely during a routine colonoscopy because of their size, position, shape, or scarring from previous treatment.
An adenoma is a growth that is not yet cancer but may have the potential to become cancerous. TAMIS may allow complete removal while preserving the rectum.
TAMIS for early rectal cancer may be considered when investigations suggest that the cancer is small, superficial, favorable in appearance, and has a low risk of lymph-node involvement.
Not every Stage I rectal cancer is suitable for local excision. Tumor depth, grade, lymphovascular invasion, margins, and other pathological features influence whether TAMIS alone is adequate.
Certain neuroendocrine tumors and other uncommon rectal lesions may be considered for local excision after appropriate assessment.
In selected situations, TAMIS may be used for tissue remaining after an earlier attempted removal. These cases require careful review because scarring can make surgery more difficult.
Occasionally, a lesion cannot be fully characterized by a small biopsy. A complete local excision may provide a more accurate diagnosis and show how deeply the tumor has entered the rectal wall.
Suitability cannot be decided from a colonoscopy report alone. It requires a review of the biopsy, imaging, tumor location, and the patient’s overall treatment needs.
When TAMIS is being considered for a cancerous rectal tumor, I first determine whether local excision can provide adequate cancer control.
Assessment may include:
For a favorable early cancer, TAMIS may sometimes be the main surgical treatment. In other situations, it may be used as part of a carefully planned approach involving radiation or chemotherapy.
The final pathology report after TAMIS is particularly important. It tells us:
If the report shows deeper invasion, an involved margin, or other unfavorable features, additional treatment may be advised. This could include major rectal surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Choosing TAMIS does not mean that further treatment will never be needed. Patients should understand this possibility before the operation.
TAMIS may offer:
TAMIS also has clear limitations:
TAMIS is performed within the narrow space of the rectum. The surgeon must accurately identify the tumor, maintain the correct dissection plane, control bleeding, protect surrounding structures, and remove the lesion with an adequate margin.
The operation may become more challenging when:
Technical skill is important, but judgment is equally important. A TAMIS surgeon in Bangalore should be able to recognize when local excision is suitable and when a more comprehensive cancer operation would provide better long-term safety.
Experience in conventional, laparoscopic, robotic, and open cancer surgery also helps the surgeon change the plan if unexpected findings arise.
I will review your medical history, medications, previous operations, biopsy, colonoscopy findings, and scans. Additional imaging or pathology review may be requested if the available information is incomplete.
Preparation may include:
Do not stop blood thinners or other prescribed medicines unless your treating team advises you to do so.
TAMIS is usually performed under general anesthesia. The patient is positioned according to the location of the tumor. The access port, camera, and instruments are introduced through the anus.
The tumor is removed with an appropriate margin. The specimen is then sent for pathological examination. The rectal wall defect may be sutured when necessary.
Some patients may be discharged the same day or after an overnight stay. Others may need to remain in the hospital longer depending on the complexity of the procedure, general health, recovery from anesthesia, and any additional treatment performed.
Mild discomfort, a small amount of bleeding or mucus, and temporary changes in bowel habits can occur. Medication and dietary instructions will be provided before discharge.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly for:
The final biopsy report determines whether the tumor was fully removed and whether additional treatment is necessary. Follow-up may include clinical examinations, colonoscopy, rectal imaging, blood tests, or scans according to the diagnosis.
There is no single fixed cost for TAMIS surgery in Bangalore. The overall expense depends on the individual case and the resources required for safe treatment.
Factors affecting the cost may include:
Robotic TAMIS may cost more because it uses a robotic platform and specialized instruments. However, the choice should be based primarily on clinical value, technical requirements, and safety.
After assessing your records, the hospital team can provide a case-specific estimate and help you understand the likely inclusions.
I currently consult at:
These centers provide access to comprehensive cancer care within a well-equipped hospital environment, supporting multidisciplinary treatment, investigations, and post-operative care when required.
Consultation timings and appointment details can be arranged through phone or WhatsApp for convenience.
This page has been written and medically reviewed under the guidance of Dr. Suraj Manjunath, Senior Surgical Oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.
The information has been reviewed for medical accuracy, patient clarity, and relevance to cancer surgery decision-making. Cancer treatment is always personalized and depends on factors such as the type of cancer, stage or spread of disease, overall health, co-morbidities, test results, and treatment goals.
The information is meant for patient education and should not replace an in-person consultation, diagnosis or personalized treatment plan.
Consultation Locations: Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road & Sarjapur Road, Bangalore.
Last reviewed: September 2026
