Discussions By Condition: Anal/Rectal Conditions

Fistulotomy Wound Still Not Healed- 8 Months!

Posted In: Anal/Rectal Conditions 5 Replies
  • Posted By: Matt1989
  • June 26, 2011
  • 11:28 PM

I had a basic anal fistulotomy done in the beginning of October 2010. The area wasn't healing so in January 2011 I had the area cauterized. Since then it has still not healed! The surgeon who operated on it doesn't know why it's taking so long to heal. The area discharges thickish yellow goo constantly, so I place a gauze pad on top of the area so it doesn't get on my underwear. I change the gauze pad over 4 times a day. The area also bleeds a tiny bit occasionally. I rinse the area off once in the morning and once at night. I leave a gauze pad in when I go to sleep for the night. I started having 500mg more of Vitamin C each day. I also started having more protein per day. My other doctor says I am absorbing my nutrients well. I am a soon to be 22 year old male. I am at a good weight, I feel normal, and I am active. I have Celiac disease, and have been on a completely Gluten free diet since diagnosed nearly 3 years ago. My doctor says Celiac isn't why it's healing slowly. I haven't been diagnosed with Crohns disease, and have absolutely no symptoms of it. Why is it taking so gosh darn long for this thing to heal??? Please help me!!!

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5 Replies:

  • I had a basic anal fistulotomy done in the beginning of October The surgeon who operated on it doesn't know why it's taking so long to heal. The area discharges thickish yellow goo constantly, so I place a gauze pad on top of the area so it doesn't get on my underwear. Did your surgeon instruct you to do sitz baths regularly? Due to the location an infection can easily take hold as indicated by your description. Several times a day including after bowel motions soak in a bath of warm water & 1 cup salt for 15-20 mins minimum. It increases blood flow to the wound site for tissue regeneration & the salt is a natural disinfectant keeping it clean. Just remember it is important to soak not wash. Do this regulary & you should note some positive changes. Rest is also very important to heal.I've been there mate but it gets better if you stick with it & keep it clean/dry.
    Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
  • Did your surgeon instruct you to do sitz baths regularly? Due to the location an infection can easily take hold as indicated by your description. Several times a day including after bowel motions soak in a bath of warm water & 1 cup salt for 15-20 mins minimum. It increases blood flow to the wound site for tissue regeneration & the salt is a natural disinfectant keeping it clean. Just remember it is important to soak not wash. Do this regulary & you should note some positive changes. Rest is also very important to heal.I've been there mate but it gets better if you stick with it & keep it clean/dry.Thank you for replying. My surgeon recommended to rinse off in the shower instead of a sitz bath so the water is moving through the area instead of sitting in dirty water.
    Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
  • Can you provide us with an update? My situation is almost identical to yours - 23 year old make who had fistulotomy 8 months ago and still not healed. I am very worried and would like to know how it turned out for you. Have any advice?Thank you
    rustyelf 2 Replies Flag this Response
  • Could you provide us with an update? My situation is almost identical to yours (23 year old male who had fistulotomy 8 months ago, but still hasn't fully healed). I am very worried, and would like to know how it turned out. Any advice?Thank you!
    rustyelf 2 Replies Flag this Response
  • Hope this helps. My husband aged 54yrs had Crohns Disease since 2004. Which was made worse by stress.In 2011 he lost 3stone in weight due to poor appetite and constant diarrhea.He had six operations after having surgery to drain six anal abcesses and had a Colostomy. Stoma was fitted to give the bowel a rest whilst the rest of the body is healing. He takes 6 Tramadol daily for the pain. (Now waiting for Fistula in the small bowel to be removed). Wound Dressings must be changed 3times per dayas the leakage from the wounds can damaged the skin and soil clothing.The leakage will vary from clear mucus, yellow, yellow-green, green, brown, bright red blood.Bright red blood could be caused by heavy coughing as you would be straining the internal muscles.Keep a diary or journal for your GP or Consultant as this is very important.It helps him to give you a quicker recovery. Be warned....Drinking excessive alcohol 3pints maximum per day does not help and can make your situation worse.Eat proper food. Go careful of spicy food onions, cucumber, tomatoes and apples because of their skinscan irritate and give you more pain. Keep fizzy drinks to a minimum.Shower daily (this is better than a bath because it is constant clean water).Plenty of Rest helps to heal the wounds.Ask you GP for a CT or MRI scan. If symptoms persist and you are not happy.
    lulu28 1 Replies Flag this Response
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