Less complicated than you, but I have a perianal fistula, the most common (intrasphincteric).

I had a seton for 19 months. Two months ago, I started Humira (I'm not "officially" Crohn's, but could be; my doc says he's seeing long-term UC pouch patients coming to him 20, 30 years in, and sort of getting "new" IBD type issues... I may fit that category, though you say banana, and I say... IBD is such an "umbrella" of diseases, almost doesn't matter, except that what we do works).

Anywho, long story short, yes. I just had my seton removed 11/10 to give the tract a chance to heal. OR at least fingers crossed, my GI thinks after 1 1/2+ years with a seton, the fistula tract may be "mature" enough to not need the drain. If it doesn't work, though, it'll be back to a seton.

But I pray it works!

I don't have any advice about Cimzia and fistulas, though, but I do know Remicade and Humira can be helpful. (Quick glance online does suggest Cimzia can help fistulas.)

I cannot answer about the effectiveness of Cimzia. However, I can tell you that the fistula will not heal closed while the seton is in place. The exception would be if this is a cutting seton ( the type that is tightened regularly and it cuts completely through the fistula, sphincter, and surrounding tissues. I don't that type used much in members here.

Jan

I'm sorry! My r/v fistula also started as just one, but then branched out. I had setons in for three years. In the end, I had three setons placed. Remicade is what I was on to help my cuffitis and to help close the fistulas. I agree- how can it close fully when the setons are in? Seemed to be working against the Remicade, but I just followed what they said was best. To me, the seton just creates a piercing hole that always seemed to drain. So frustrating!

I hope the Cimzia works to close things up and the setons can be removed.
Laura