Trans Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS): aftercare advice

Information for patients from Day Surgery

You have had Trans Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). The following advice is to help you understand what you should do and expect in the days and weeks following your surgery.

When you get home and for the first few days after your surgery

What are the risks to having this procedure?

What happens after my operation?

On returning to the ward after your operation, the nurses will perform regular observations to monitor your recovery.

You may have a continuous infusion (a drip) in your arm. We give you fluids through this drip, but we will stop this early and encourage you to eat and drink normally.

You will take oral antibiotics for five days after your operation to reduce your risk of infection.

How will I feel?

After your operation you may feel some rectal discomfort. You should not feel any pain unless the polyp that we removed was very near the anus itself. If you do have any pain or discomfort, please let the nurses know so that they can give you painkillers as needed.

A little bit of bleeding is not unusual for the first few days after your operation. This should not be greater than a little spotting, which you will notice more when having your bowels open for the first time.

It is very important to avoid constipation. Drinking plenty of fluid and eating enough fibre in your diet will help with this. You may wish to soften your stools with Lactulose. This is a mild laxative, which you can buy over-the-counter at the chemist.

Following your operation, rectal function may be disturbed but this should settle over the next few weeks. Because of the size of the instrument that is used during the operation, your anal sphincter muscles may be stretched. This may lead to some leakage or incontinence. You may wish to wear a pad for protection until it returns to normal, as it does in nearly all cases.

When can I resume my normal activities?

Once discharged from hospital you may resume your normal activities as soon as you feel able.

You can have sex as soon as it feels comfortable to do so.

When can I return to work?

We advise you not to work for two weeks after your surgery. If you need a certificate for work, please ask a member of staff before you leave hospital.

When can I drive again?

We advise you not to drive in the first week following your surgery, some people need a little longer. It is important that you are comfortable and able to concentrate clearly. Please check with your insurance company before you drive again. Some insurance policies carry restrictions that vary from individual companies.

Do not drive yourself home from hospital after your surgery. Please arrange for someone to collect you from hospital and take you home.

What if I have any questions or concerns after my surgery?

When you return home, if you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact the colorectal clinical nurse specialists (CNS) via the Cancer Care Line on 01227 868666 for advice.

Further information

Below are the main support associations, together with other useful sources of information. Remember that, although the internet carries a lot of material, it is not all helpful. For the correct information, you should speak to your specialist nurse. They could also give you information about any local support groups.

This information has been provided with grateful acknowledgement to West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust