50/50 chance for successful fistula repair...is the cup half full or empty?
In 1/2011, I had surgery to drain an abscess that I have had for over a year that developed when I was pregnant. I have hx of ulcerative colitis since 2001, IPAA surgery and illeostomy reversal in 2002/2003. Have not had any real difficulty with my pouch other than some pouchitis intermittently. However, this abscess was NOT gong away and would get very angry at time. So, I agreed to surgery. During surgery, he found a double fistula which I now have a setons for. One a vaginal fistual that connects to my JPouch and the other fistula that connects to the vaginal fistula.
Fast forward a yr and a half and I am getting ready to have the vaginal fistula repaired with the GORE BIO tissue reinforcement and the other one packed. After a surgery consultation this week I am considering pulling out of surgery bc of the low success rate...50/50 sounds a hot shot of a chance to take. He said if this doesn't work...our next stop is a ileostomy. Which scares me to pieces.
Anyone, or anyone post IPAA surgery with fistula, abscess or similar situation please let me know.
In 1/2011, I had surgery to drain an abscess that I have had for over a year that developed when I was pregnant. I have hx of ulcerative colitis since 2001, IPAA surgery and illeostomy reversal in 2002/2003. Have not had any real difficulty with my pouch other than some pouchitis intermittently. However, this abscess was NOT gong away and would get very angry at time. So, I agreed to surgery. During surgery, he found a double fistula which I now have a setons for. One a vaginal fistual that connects to my JPouch and the other fistula that connects to the vaginal fistula.
Fast forward a yr and a half and I am getting ready to have the vaginal fistula repaired with the GORE BIO tissue reinforcement and the other one packed. After a surgery consultation this week I am considering pulling out of surgery bc of the low success rate...50/50 sounds a hot shot of a chance to take. He said if this doesn't work...our next stop is a ileostomy. Which scares me to pieces.
Anyone, or anyone post IPAA surgery with fistula, abscess or similar situation please let me know.
Last edited:
