Hi all! I had a colectomy with creation of a j-pouch 8 years ago, when I was 15, done in one step with no complications. Since that time I really haven't experienced any issues, except pouchitis every now and again. This past March I developed an abscess, which required a hospitalization and was surgically drained. After the drain was removed things seemed to be going well, but approximately two months later the abscess returned, this time with a friend....a fistula. So, another surgery was performed to drain the abscess and a seton was placed through the fistula in order to allow the infection to drain without getting blocked in to the fistula. This seton has been in place for a month now, and my surgeon has given me a few options. Option 1 is to remove the seton and wait to see what happens. Given that I have developed more than one abscess, my chances of not developing further complications are small and the fistula will not likely heal on it's own (which I understand it only does in roughly 30% of cases). Option 2 is to have the fistula surgically sewn shut. My surgeon does this by going between, not through, my control muscles so that chances of incontinence are significantly reduced (only 5-10% chance). I know the fistula has the potential to create problems as long as it is there, but this surgery has been described to me as "elective". I feel conflicted because I am a young woman (24 years old) and am horrified to engage in a surgery that carries a chance of incontinence, essentially undoing all I have achieved. But, I know my chances of not developing another abscess or a worsening fistula once the seton is removed is small. I am wondering if anyone has any experience in this area, any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and be well!
Kate

Hi Kate. I am currently recovering from a fistula plug surgery that I had on July3. Everything was going well until this past weekend when a new abscess appeared, same spot as the original which I believe caused this fistula in the first place. The fistula is still open as air is still passing through, even though the plug is still there. I'm on cipro/flagyl combo for now to ease the abscess and will be back in touch with the surgeon on Thurs. My fistula was extremely low in my rectum, so low that the button on the end of the plug was actually half in/half out of my rectum.......owwwwwwwwwww. The button has since fallen off which was a huge relief pain wise, but now this abscess is painful. Will it ever end????????