5 and 1/2 years ago I had my colon removed and jpouch created the same day. My surgeon severed my ureter and cut a hole from my jpouch to my vagina. I immediately had surgery to repair the ureter and over the last 5 and 1/2 years I have had several surgical attempts to close the fistula. Twice they thought it was healed, had takedown and both times within 24 hours the fistula reappeared and I went right back to the ileostomy. Three months ago today I had a complete redo with Dr. Remzi in Cleveland. Yesterday, I had a vaginal xray and a pouchogram. So far, both show no fistula. Dr.Remzi is putting me under anesthesia this morning to give a look. I can't go through another disappointing takedown. I am very nervous about it, but don't want to live with the ileostomy anymore. Also, with the surgery 3 months ago, Dr. Lucas (plastic surgeon), used tissue from inside my leg, next to my vagina, can't see the scar with underwear or bathing suit to use as extra protection. There has to be a better way. These fistulas are very frustrating to say the least.
