The effect of implementing a transanal minimally invasive surgical programme for the local excision of early rectal neoplasia on outcomes in a tertiary referral rectal cancer centre

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a surgical alternative to proctectomy in the management of complex rectal polyps and early rectal cancers. In 2016, our institution introduced a TAMIS programme. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in practice and outcomes in our institution in the 3 years before and after the implementation of TAMIS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients who underwent proctectomy or TAMIS for the management of complex rectal polyps or early rectal cancers at our institution between 2013 and 2018. 96 patients were included in this study (41 proctectomy vs 55 TAMIS). A significant reduction was noted in the number of proctectomies performed in the 3 years after the implementation of TAMIS as compared to the 3 years before (13 vs 28) (P < 0.001); 43% of patients (n = 12) who underwent proctectomy in the period prior to implementation of TAMIS were American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade III, as compared to only 15% (n = 2) of patients during the period following TAMIS implementation (P = 0.02). TAMIS was associated with a significant reduction in length of inpatient stay (P < 0.001). Oncological outcomes were comparable between groups (log rank P = 0.83). Our findings support TAMIS as a safe and effective alternative to radical resection. The availability of TAMIS has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of comorbid patients undergoing proctectomy at our institution. Consequently, we have observed a significant reduction in postoperative complications over this time period.