No Abdominal Incision, No Stoma: 77-Year-Old Recovers Quickly After Advanced Rectal Surgery at Humayun Hospital
Hospital organises press meet to showcase successful surgery that removed a 5-cm rectal polyp without abdominal incision or stoma
Patient resumed food within six hours, walked the same day, and was discharged the following morning
Dr. Humayun Specialty Hospital, Chennai, organised a press meet today to showcase the successful treatment of a 77-year-old man, Ramesh (name changed), who underwent an advanced minimally invasive procedure to remove a large rectal polyp without an abdominal incision or the need for a stoma.
The 5-cm polyp was removed through the natural opening using Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), allowing the patient to avoid a major abdominal operation. The procedure took approximately one hour, after which the patient was able to eat within six hours, walk on the same day and return home the following morning.
The patient had initially sought medical attention after experiencing rectal bleeding and changes in his bowel habits. Investigations revealed a 5-cm broad-based polyp in the middle portion of the rectum, located approximately 7 cm from the anal opening. Given its size and location, removal through a routine colonoscopy was not considered suitable.
For an elderly patient, conventional major abdominal surgery can involve greater physical stress, a longer recovery period, and, in some cases, the need for a temporary or permanent stoma. Considering the location and characteristics of the lesion, the surgical team opted for a minimally invasive approach that would allow the polyp to be removed without entering the abdomen.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, Director & Chief, Gastrointestinal Services, Dr. Humayun Specialty Hospital. Using TAMIS, the surgical team accessed the rectal lesion through the natural opening and removed it completely, without a large abdominal cut or creation of a stoma.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Pinak Dasgupta said, “For an elderly patient, avoiding a major abdominal operation can make a significant difference to recovery and everyday life. In carefully selected cases, TAMIS allows us to remove rectal lesions without entering the abdomen. The aim is to choose the approach that is appropriate for the patient and allows recovery with less physical burden.”
The procedure also offered a potential financial advantage. The cost of the procedure is estimated to be less than one-third of the cost of undergoing major abdominal surgery in a comparable setting, potentially reducing the financial burden for appropriately selected patients.
Dr. Asma Humayun, Founder & Director, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon & Fertility Consultant, Dr. Humayun Specialty Hospital, who was present at the press meet, said, “Our focus has always been to make advanced care accessible without making treatment more difficult than it needs to be. This case reflects our commitment to bringing specialised surgical expertise and newer treatment approaches to our patients, while keeping safety, comfort and recovery at the centre of care.”
TAMIS is a minimally invasive technique that allows doctors to remove certain rectal growths through the natural opening, avoiding the need to make an abdominal incision. However, it is not suitable for every patient. The decision depends on factors including the size, location and nature of the lesion, along with the patient’s overall health.
The successful treatment highlights how carefully selected minimally invasive approaches can help some patients avoid more extensive surgery and potentially return to their normal routines sooner