What is the purpose of a seton drain?
A seton is a piece of surgical thread that’s left in the fistula for several weeks to keep it open. This allows it to drain and helps it heal, while avoiding the need to cut the sphincter muscles. Loose setons allow fistulas to drain, but do not cure them.
How long does a seton drain stay in?
The seton drain can help relieve symptoms and mark the fistula for doctors to fix later. It may stay in place for 6 weeks or longer. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of your fistula after surgery. After a bowel movement, use a baby wipe or take a shower or sitz bath to gently clean the anal area.
Is seton placement painful?
It is normal to have pain for up to 1-2 weeks. Thereafter, you may notice discomfort with prolonged sitting and certain activities. Pain should not be constant or worsening. Placement of Setons may stimulate mucus production so the volume of drainage you are having may increase at first.
How is a seton drain removed?
Results: Seton gradually passes through external sphincteric muscle till it is displaced outwards or removed by a surgeon via a small incision. 94% of patients treated by this method accomplished their treatment completely without recurrence.
How long before a seton is removed?
The shallow wound then heals on its own and the integrity of the sphincter muscle is maintained. It usually takes about 4-8 weeks for the seton to fall off.
When do you remove seton?
In some cases, a seton may need to be changed every 4-6 weeks in outpatient surgery. It can take 4 or more changes before the tract is healed. Some people have setons for 6 months or longer. There is no time limit to keep the tract open and avoid future abscess.
How do you poop after seton placement?
You may be prescribed a stool softener after the procedure. If the seton is placed in or around the anal area, having stools that are soft and easily passed will help prevent pain and discomfort during bowel movements. Keeping the area clean will also be part of the aftercare process.
Does a seton ever stop draining?
Therefore, the seton may be left in place awhile longer or even indefinitely. This ensures further drainage of any abscess and settling of inflammation. Sometimes a loose seton is re-tightened until it is snug with the aim of slowly cutting through the anal sphincter muscle (tight cutting seton).
Can I exercise with a seton?
Many doctors advise a short resting period where patients avoid things like sex and exercise. But other than that, many people with seton are able to continue with their daily lives.
How long does it take to recover from seton surgery?
Living with a seton drain A person may have spotting or bleeding for 1–2 days after the procedure, and pain for 1–2 weeks. In most cases, a person can return to work the day following the procedure if they feel well. There is a small risk of incontinence, infection, and other complications.
Can a seton alone heal a fistula?
A seton is made of rubber or string-like material. It is used to treat a fistula. It can be used alone, combined with a fistulotomy, or used in a staged fashion (first this…then…). Setons promote healing of the fistula tract by keeping it open.
How is a seton tightened?
A cutting seton is placed and then gradually tightened. The tightening is done over a series of weeks. Eventually, the seton makes its way through the fistula tract, opening it up. This is done less commonly than a loose seton.
Can seton cause incontinence?
Results: The average rate of incontinence following cutting seton use was 12%. The rate of incontinence increased as the location of the internal opening of the fistula moved more proximally.
When should I remove seton drain?
Remove the seton and hope that it heals This is best done before 6 weeks, as waiting longer than this can result in the formation of skin (epithelium) within the fistulous tract which can prevent its spontaneous closure.
Can you urinate through your vagina?
Overview. A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects your vagina to another organ, such as your bladder, colon or rectum. Your doctor might describe the condition as a hole in your vagina that allows stool or urine to pass through your vagina.