Could be a penrose drain. They're hollow, flexible tubes that stay in to drain out abscesses, collecting blood post-op, etc. They can be put in any surgical wound, and are not strictly used for bowel surgery.

They're usually eventually removed.

I have a perianal fistula, but 3 colorectal surgeons said they wouldn't ever cut me to fix things because of my IBD hx, my J pouch surgery, and risk of incontinence because of all of that big pelvic floor surgery.

My son had or still has a sizable abscess and fistulia that was found in December.  They put in a long drain with a round bulb at the end.  A lot of yucky stuff was coming out.  In March they reversed his j-pouch, putting him back on the ostomy With the hopes that if they diverted him, and gave the pouch a rest all of this would clear up.  Wrong.  Test in the last month have shown that the abscess is back.  Don't know if it's the same one that filled up again or a new one.  And of course the fistulia is still there.  Don't know yet what the doctors are going to do about it.  But yes, he had a drain in for 3 months and it did drain the abscess.

 

Yes, you are correct that this is a drain to keep the abscess open and draining until it heals from the inside. Obviously, the setons did not work and your surgeon tried this more aggressive approach, with an attempt to remove the fistula tract. Fingers crossed this works for you.

 

I suggest you wear something absorbant to catch the drainage, rather than wiping constantly. Sanitary napkins should do the trick.

 

Jan

Thanks for the replies. The only issue I have now is my procedure was this past Thursday and Im sitting here holding the drain in my hand because it somehow dislodged itself. I knew I felt it little by little making its way out even avoiding wiping in that area I would usually just pat it dry and follow with a bath. Not sure whether my constant moving and tossing and turning while I was sleeping helped the cause. If it is supposed to eventually come out then I guess no worries but is it too soon? I'm guessing it's something that my surgeon was supposed to do at our 2 week follow up. I will be calling my surgeons office to see what they have to say. If you have any other input it would be highly appreciated. Thanks again.

Maybe a little soon, but hard to tell. Too bad that they did not give you better instructions on what to expect. This is where a little communication goes a long way. But, calling the surgeon's office is a good idea. I doubt he'll reinsert it, but you never know. Keep up the soaks, so it does not scab over in the meantime.

 

Jan