TEM

If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please call 740-779-8530. Or you can request an appointment with Dr. Fealk online.

Dr. Michael Fealk director of Adena’s Colon and Rectal Surgery Program offers TEM or Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery at Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe. The introduction of cutting-edge colon and rectal cancer treatment options, such as TEM, enables patients to remain close to home when they require sophisticated colorectal procedures, including those involving cancer.

TEM is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to remove tumors from the rectum. Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery provides better visibility and extended reach compared to traditional transanal procedures. Tumors that are difficult to reach transanally require a major abdominal surgery if TEM is not available.

TEM offers many advantages compared to abdominal surgery. The TEM is virtually painless. The only incision is inside the rectum. There are no visible scars and recovery is much faster.

The TEM instrument is inserted through the anus while the patient is under general anesthesia. The rectum is inflated with low pressure gas to optimize the surgeon’s view. The use of a magnifying binocular operating scope gives the surgeon a three-dimensional operating field, creating better visibility and making it easier to maneuver.

Precision instruments are used to carefully remove the tumor from the rectum. The excision site leaves a defect that can be sutured closed using the Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery technology. Most patients are sent home from the hospital on post-operative day one or two.

The lesion removed is sent to the pathologist for evaluation under a microscope. The pathologic findings are very important. If there is no cancer in the tumor further surgery is not required. If the tumor contains cancer treatment options are discussed at Adena’s Colon and Rectal Cancer Tumor Board. Some early cancers do not require any other treatment. More advanced tumors will likely require chemotherapy, radiation, and more surgery.

The TEM procedure is only available in a very select number of specialty clinics. Dr. Fealk learned the technique during a minimally invasive surgical rotation during his surgical residency. He polished his skills during his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. While practicing medicine in Albuquerque, Dr. Fealk performed the first-ever TEM procedure in the state of New Mexico.