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Anorectal surgery - seton placement

Mon, September 11, 2017 11:56 PM

Has anyone had a seton placed through a fistula to prevent infection? My doctor is recommending this surgery while I transition between medications but noted that only about 50% of women are able to tolerate a seton in a recto-vaginal fistula. I don't know if it is worth the pain/time for only a 50% chance of success. I really don't want this procedure but want to make sure I'm not just making a decision out of fear.

lolaloo23
Joined Jun 27, 2017

Fri, October 06, 2017 1:36 PM

Reply posted for lolaloo23.

Hi there! I had a seton placement about 3 years ago and have had it in place ever since. The first week was a little rough getting used to it, but now I don't even notice it's there. Before the procedure, I was dealing with abscesses almost every week. Now with the band, I have had no issues with any infection. It continuously drains, so I always have a liner on (only need 1 per day). There are a few other undesirable side effects, such as air and stool that occasionally leak through, but now my husband and I just make jokes about it. About 6 months after the procedure, I found out I was expecting our first child. I completely understand the nerves, but I have a much better quality of life since having this done

erinL6260
Joined Oct 6, 2017

Wed, October 04, 2017 1:13 AM

Reply posted for oldtimer148.

Haven't posted here in a very long time. Sorry, but I can't relate to the female side of this being a guy myself. But the one thing I clearly recall is that any surgeries in those areas you NEED someone who specializes in those areas. Run of the mill surgeons don't know what they need to for that delicate of a surgery. Even if you have to travel you may save yourself long term issues if it's not done by someone who's more than a little experienced in those areas. Just a word of opinion but I'm strongly recommending considering travel IF necessary from those stories I'd heard long ago. I have no medical training. I just recall reading tons of posts way back when when I was still frequently posting here in the late 90's early 2000's. I once lived with a recurring perianal fistula for nearly 15 years. Ya, they're not fun at all. Finally had a fistulectomy done in 99'. I'm mid 60's now, first diagnosed at 23, 3 intestinal resections,11 feet of small bowel left. At least in my case longer term higher dose Prednisone nearly put me in the looney bin and I never fully recovered from that nightmare. But apparently others have had it much worse than I did from the other Crohnie's I've met over the years and decades.

Best of luck at resolving this. When the Crohn's rears it ugly head it can be hard to cope with. Do your best to keep your Spirits up, stay as active as can and don't give up trying. In time things usually are resolved. It's the waiting that can be so hard. Have faith. If not in God then at least get Doctors you can trust in. Or it's even scarier.

MusicNutt <><

oldtimer148
Joined May 11, 2015

Tue, October 03, 2017 10:11 AM

Reply posted for lolaloo23.

I've had the procedure done several times. Just had the last one three weeks ago. I have multiple fistulas on my left hip and they get infected and fill up with pus. Very painful. The drains allow me to relieve pressure. They don't always work, but for me, it's better having them in than not.