This is my 4th fistula surgery, help

[Giblett]

My problem started with an abcess (abscess).And I don't know how I got that.  Had surgery to drain the abcess (abscess).  4 weeks later, the problem was still there and I had a fistula. Surgery was done, hoping to help heal the fistula.  This did not work.  I wound up in the E.R bleeding from the drainage site. A colorectal surgeon did a "Flap" surgery  and I have had a drainage tube for 2 months.  Went to the doctor for my check up and he feels this flap surgery did not work.  Another surgery. Possibly a Fistulectomy or what he called, putting a rubber band in.  My concerns are of being incontinent.
I am so sick of the drainage and this problem.  I want my life back. I had a colonoscopy and there are no problems there.
Has anyone had any success with this surgery? I am a nurse and I am very frustrated.  Otherwise, I am in good health.  Thank you.

[Baseball_Mom]

I had the rubber band surgery over a year ago.  The purpose of this surgery is to cut throught he fistula without damaging the muscle.  I can tell you this, the procedure itself is very simple and took about 10 minutes to perform.  The painful part of the procedure is having to go weekly and have the rubberband tightened. It was compared to having braces tightened.  However I never had braces so I really laid into the nurse when she said that.  Since that procedure, I've had two more surgeries for fistulas, a hemroidectomy, and perineoplasty.  Being a nurse, you should know what that is.  My problems all started with emergency surgery for a perianal cyst that was the size of a grapefruit.  I think if I would of had a colon rectal surgeon do the first surgery instead of a general surgeon, I would have been in better shape.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.  Take care and Happy Holidays!

[kimbacat]

sorry to hear of the problems you are having.  you might want to check out some Crohn's disease message board.  a lot of us have peri-rectal abscesses, fistulas, etc.  I've never had a seton placed, only ever had them cut or 'coned' out and then packed daily.  but there are lots of others that have had setons and/or flap surgeries.  the primary goal of a seton is to keep the tract open to allow drainage and keep another abscess from forming while the track heals closed.  they can be used to cut thru the fistula, but sometimes that can create kind of a dip in the spincter that might mean ongoing leaking.  I know that Remicade (infliximab) is used in CDers to close fistulas and works very well for some people (closes them within days).  I think they are also having pretty good results with tacrolimus cream on fistulas, too.  maybe you could get a consult with a colorectal surgeon that treats a lot of people with perirectal crohn's disease since s/he would probably have the most experience with difficult cases.  

good luck, I know how miserable these can be.

[Giblett]

I have been seeing a colorectal surgeon.  And mine started with an abcess (abscess). I have been draining since august this year.  the tube I have in now has been in there since 10-02.  I am in hopes that this next surgery will work as it is very frustrating. I appreciate all your help. Will let you know how this goes.  My surgery is scheduled for 2 days after Christams.  What a Christmas present.!

[georgie439]

I was reading your post and you mentioned having a cyst the size of a grapefruit!! The reason I'm responding is I KNOW I have something inside me, the Dr.'s at this point aren't exactly sure what??

Started with pain on upper right side, under ribs (liver area). This is going on about 3 years, when it began gallstones showed up but they were not that bad, two years later started having pain in the middle area as well(between ribcage, but right underneath.  Also started feeling like something was hitting my left ribcage, still feel that way.  Had anothe rsonogram and ALOT
of bloodwork, radiologist called my dr. and said gallbladder has to come out asap!!  They said they were worried about blockage??
what ever that meant??  After gallbladder came out I do have less pain and do feel like some "air was taken out" of a balloon that's ready to burst, and them removing the GB gave me some room, I hope you understand what I mean.

Did you feel your cyst, or feel differently?? Can you have a cyst or abcess (abscess) in your small intestines?? or in the area under left ribcage?? Any info would be appreciated....georgie

[Baseball_Mom]

Hi Georgie:  Let me clarify things a little bit.  As far as your answers, I have no idea if you can get cysts on your intestines, but I'm assuming you could.  The cyst that I had when it started made me think it was hemmroids.  Then in four days it grew from the size of a dime to a small grapefruit.  I had to have emergency surgery to have the cyst cut out.  I was left with a hole about 1 inch in diameter and about 4 inches deep.  This was left open and gauze was packed.  I had to go daily to have the gauze removed, wound cleaned, and they repacked.  It was not much fun.  I really feel that had I had a colon rectal specialist do my emergency surgery instead of a general surgeon I would not have had all the problems I've encountered since.  It was discovered earlier this year that when the emergency surger was done, my front muscle was cut.  But I had surgery to repair this muscle and things are much better now.  I'm sorry I was not much help in answering your questions, but I felt I needed to clarify some things.  I hope you find answers to your health problems soon.  It's no fun to be sick, especially at this time of year.  Happy Holidays!

[Boot]

Hi, I was reading the post from georgie439 and it really sounds alot like what I'm going through.  I had recently had a perirectal abscess. It had to be drained and packed.
Well I am also experienceing pain under my ribs. The only way I can explain the pain to the doctor is that it feels like a baby pushing on my ribs and sliding under them.  I know for a fact that I am not pregnant.  I have had my gallbladder removed in 1991.  The doctor told me the feeling I am experinceing is my intestants and liver sliding up under my rib cage.  I have never in my life heard any thing like this.  I have also been told by 2 other doctors that I have a hernea in my stomach but the doctor that told me about my intestants and liver said that I do not have a hernea that it is my intestants that he feels.
So I am more confused now than before I went to the doctor.