Colo-rectal surgeon suggests having a Seton for a fistula.
Thu, April 24, 2014 11:36 AM
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about 13 years ago. I am almost 25 now. I have a fistula that developed after I had surgery for a Bartholin cyst (might not have actually been a Bartholin Cyst) 4 years ago. It doesn't really bother me unless I have loose/liquidy stool. It can be painful and when I'm having a flair, with irregular bowel movements, it's nearly impossible to be intimate with my husband. We got married in November and have only had sex once. In February, I developed pretty aggressive and extreme pain opposite of where my fistula is. Recognizing the pain, I immediately went to the doctor and had surgery, but instead of a catheter, he just left it open to drain. All was going well until about 2 weeks ago when I started having pain again. Went back to the doctor and he told me it was infected. So now I'm on an anti-biotic, going to the bathroom about 4 times a day and now I'm noticing a familiar drainage coming from the new surgery spot. Today was the first day I realized that what it all meant. The surgeon I saw two days ago highly recommended exploratory surgery under anesthetic and suggested that if necessary, he insert a seton at the same time. I have developed anxiety issues over the last 6 months and I'm so very nervous to make a decision. I have no idea how it's going to affect my life. I'd never even heard of it before two days ago. I wondered if anyone could give me some advice or share a similar experience.
Joined Feb 4, 2014
Wed, August 06, 2014 11:39 PM
Reply posted for nk8909.
Over a period of several years I developed a rather complex perianal fistula. Prior to my actual diagnosis of Crohn's disease we had attempted (my colorectal surgeon and I) two different methods of plugging the fistula, which were unsuccessful, most likely due to active disease. It came to a point where the tracts would just attempt to close, but a small abscess or something of the like would prevent it from doing so, and it would become extremely painful and uncomfortable, and the tract would just open again. Eventually we had decided to use Seton tubes to allow for consistent drainage, and await our next plan of attack. Over the subsequent two years I think I went into the OR 2-3 times for irrigation and debridement (cleaning of the tract) and to change out my seton tubes (less and less diameter each time). I eventually underwent a fistulotomy that was successful. (YAY!) My point is that the seton tube(s) don't have to be forever. They are a bit awkward at first, but compared to the pain and discomfort of the recurrent irritation that came along with NOT having them, it was fantastic. Although, again, it certainly does take time to get used to it, and it's incredibly helpful to have support and an understanding partner, it really isn't too bad. At times where I wasn't feeling sick for other reasons, I was able to run/exercise, sit comfortably, go to the beach, and have sex, without much trouble at all. (Of course, you have to be very conscious of hygiene.) If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Takeaway - it might be a good idea!
slkrJoined Aug 6, 2014
Fri, May 09, 2014 10:38 PM
Reply posted for nk8909.
I have just had a seton inserted 2 days ago, I had an infected fissure that kept draining and it was about the size of a bouncy ball on my rectum. While they were doing the exploratory surgery they found that I had a fistula, and that's when they inserted the seton. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Joined May 9, 2014
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