Colon and Rectal Cancer

For treating colon/rectal cancer, there is no better choice than the cancer care experts at Saint Vincent, where doctors utilize Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS).

One of the most important benefits of TEMS is the accuracy of the procedure. Because TEMS is performed under magnification with an operative microscope, it is more likely that all of the cancer is removed.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS)
The Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center was the first facility in western Pennsylvania to offer cutting-edge T EMS technology for the treatment of rectal cancer. Saint Vincent is one of only 49 TEM-capable facilities in the entire United States. With the highest technology in cancer care in the region, there is no need for hours of travel.

TEMS is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the removal of benign or early stage malignant rectal tumors through the rectum without an abdominal incision. The procedure may also be used to remove recurrent lesions. 

The Procedure

TEMS involves the insertion of a proctoscope into the rectum. The protoscope can be inserted up to 20 centimeters into the rectum, reaching points very difficult to get to by conventional surgical methods. Because it is performed through the rectum, patients do not have to recover from deep abdominal incisions the conventional methods require. This significantly reduces length of stay and recovery time. TEMS patients usually return home within a day, and recovery time is typically only one to two weeks. Conventional surgical methods require a six to ten-day hospital stay and a six- to eight week recovery time.