Tamis, or anterior resection..

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Hi, i’d be interested in people’s experience with either, these are the two options available to me.

If the tamis doesn’t get it all then i’d probably be due for the resection, on the other hand tamis could be fine.

Tamis seems the easier option as i’m anxious about going under, and actually had the procedure to remove polyps already so it’s familiar, i’ve never had general anaesthetic so nervous about that also.

Could i be worse off if i don’t have the resection, that’s supposed to be the better option, but the thought of having a stoma grosses me out, having a pipe coming out of me, sleeping with the bag, complications, leaking bag etc..

Still unsure what to do at this stage, welcome your feedback

Kareno62 27 days ago

Hi Double G I had a low anterior resection so can’t comment on tamis but there’s quite a lot of previous posts about it if you type it into the search box at the top left of the screen?

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Double G 27 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Thanks, not sure if mines a lower also

ATS 27 days ago

Hi, I had TAMIS surgery in July 2022. My tumour was very low down and I was told early stage. Unfortunately for me the cancer recurred very quickly in the same spot and lymph nodes in the far right of my pelvis were growing rapidly. I then underwent chemo radiation and had a complete response until 6 months later when it was back again. I’m nearly a year post op now from a 16 hour pelvic exenteration with permanent colostomy and Barbie bum.

I do not regret having chosen to do the TAMIS surgery first, I like you did not want a colostomy or Barbie bum and wanted to do everything to avoid it. I know I did everything I could and if I hadn’t of tried it I would always wonder.

I will add that TAMIS is performed under general anaesthetic and there is a recovery period. I was in hospital 3 days and it took about 3 weeks to recover. You will be quite sore, swollen and it does stretch things temporarily.

Have they told you how low down your tumour is and the risks of needing a stoma?

Double G 27 days ago in reply to ATS

I believe it’s quite low down, near to the anus, it’s just 3cm, i’m still trying to understand it myself. The consultant is calling me today with more answers and information.

ATS 27 days ago in reply to Double G

Mine was also near the anus right on the sphincter muscle and 3 cm in size. Hopefully you’ll know more today. If you opt for TAMIS then you will be on close surveillance afterwards and they detect any changes very quickly. It’s usually followed with chemo radiation to zap any remaining cells.