Can a fistula become undetectable?

[nogutsnoglory]

Is it possible for a fistula to ever fully heal and fill up to the point where no tunnel is detected on an MRI? I'm not just asking if it can scar the opening but whether the entire tunnel can dissipate through treatment?

 

[mish2575]

I think so. I think it's happened to me. But I can't prove it. LOL

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Have you had a post healing MRI or CT scan? I'm really unsure if just the tip of a fistula seals off or the whole tunnel can just fill in.

 

[mish2575]

I've had an MRI which showed no sign of a fistula iI really thought was there. It did,however, pick up complex fistulae elsewhere. :/

 

[DustyKat]

There would be no reason why it couldn’t ngng. If the treatment is effective at eliminating inflammation then you have removed the cause so healing should take place.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Essieluv]

Yes! I had a fistula close up about a year ago because of a seton, and now there is no evidence it was even there except for a little scar on my skin where the seton was. There is hope

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Thanks Essie that really gives me hope. How long till that full healing occurred after seton removal?

 

[Essieluv]

It took 14 months for my fistula to completely heal up, but I think if I had been able to stay on Remi and not had to switch to Humira it would have been faster.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

They take a long time to heal but it's good to know in about a years time they can dissapear.