The anal canal is then dilated, the operating scope is placed, and the tumor is removed. The patient is then taken to the recovery room. The catheters are usually removed in the operating room or in the recovery room. Usually the patient is able to go home the day of the surgery. Liquids are allowed when the patient is awake and alert.
Regular food is started the next day.
Activities can usually be resumed the next day. The patient then sees the surgeon 10 to 14 days after surgery for a postoperative review. At that time further plans are discussed. The greatest benefit of TEM is that a patient can avoid open surgery and experience less pain and time recovering from surgery. Patients can often return to normal activity sooner and experience little to no pain after surgery.