Gurgaon, 18 June, 2025: Doctors at Artemis Hospitals successfully performed a robotic-assisted transana minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS) using the advanced da Vinci surgical system, removing a rectal tumor in a 60-year-old man from Iraq. This is the first time a robotic TAMIS procedure has been performed in North India, offering the patient a minimally invasive alternative to major surgery without the need for a permanent colostomy bag. The surgery was led by Dr.Tapan Singh Chauhan, Consultant Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery (MCh Surgical Oncology), Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. This case reflects India’s role in providing accessible, advanced medical care to international patients as part of the ‘Heal in India’ initiative.
The patient, a 60-year-old man from Iraq, had a Polyploidal tumor in the lower part of his rectum, located just 5 cm from the anal opening and only about 1 cm away from the muscle that controls bowel movements (the sphincter). Because of its close proximity to the sphincter, removing the tumor without affecting bowel control posed a surgical challenge.
“Given the location and nature of the tumor, standard surgical options included an abdominoperineal resection (APR) — which involves complete removal of the rectum and results in a permanent colostomy — or an intersphincteric resection (ISR), which preserves the sphincter. However, the patient was very clear that he did not want to live with a colostomy bag post surgery. He was looking for an option that would allow him to maintain relatively normal bowel function,” Dr. Chauhan noted.
Dr. Chauhan and his team opted for a robotic TAMIS procedure — a minimally invasive technique performed through the anal canal using advanced da Vinci robotic technology. This approach allows for the precise removal of rectal tumors without making any abdominal incisions and serves as a safer alternative to more invasive surgery for certain rectal cancers.
“This technique allowed us to remove the tumor while preserving the patient’s bowel control and avoiding the need for a permanent stoma,” said Dr. Chauhan. According to him, robotic assistance played a critical role in achieving this result. “The 3D visualization, enhanced dexterity, and improved precision offered by the da Vinci system enabled us to excise the tumor cleanly and using enhanced precision in a very confined anatomical space, especially so close to the anal sphincter,” Dr. Chauhan noted.
“I’m very grateful to Dr. Chauhan and his team for helping me avoid a permanent stoma,” the patient said. “When I found out I had a tumor so close to the sphincter, I was worried I’d have to live with a colostomy bag forever. I came to India hoping for another option, and thanks to this surgery, I can now recover without that burden. I feel relieved and hopeful.”
To date, Dr. Chauhan has performed over 85 robotic-assisted surgeries for gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, including colorectal procedures like low anterior resections, ultra-low anterior resections, colectomies, and esophagectomies, among others.
“Robotic-assisted surgery is transforming colorectal care, particularly for low rectal cancers, by helping preserve function, reduce recovery time, and improve overall quality of life. These procedures are gaining popularity globally for their ability to minimize invasiveness while maintaining oncological safety and functional outcomes. As this case illustrates, their role is expanding in India as well, offering new hope to patients seeking organ-preserving treatment options. With initiatives like ’Heal in India’, such advanced procedures are becoming increasingly accessible to international patients looking for high-quality care at competitive costs,” he stated.
