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seton bands

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/4/2012 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
I had two perianal abscesses last March. The colorectal surgeons tried putting tubes into them, but the abscesses were connected by a horseshoe fistula. I had several surgeries when it was decided I would need seton bands. Now I would like them removed, haha. I called the surgeon, who was going to look at them, but we're moving and he said I should just wait until we're moved and find a new surgeon. My question is, how do you know when fistulas and abscesses are healed enough that you could remove seton bands without worry of a re-occuring problem? My fistulas still drain a bit, especially the right side. And sometimes the area around the right seton band gets a little hard. They don't really hurt anymore, though. I'm just afraid if the seton bands were removed what is draining through that area would just collect and cause another abscess. Do they pack the wound after the seton band is removed? Thanks in advance for any answers!
Posted 1/4/2012 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
The surgeon should be able to determine if the bands can be removed. I'm not sure what the criteria is for having them removed. I had mine taken out because it was excruciatingly painful. I have pelvic floor dysfunction (muscle spasms) and this made it worse. Good luck. I hope you can have them removed soon!
Posted 1/4/2012 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have a seton in that I've had for two years and actually am having the LIFt surgery this Friday to repair the fistula. I am hoping that I am not creating more problems by going in than just leaving it be. My surgeon said he can't just take out the seton without repairing the fistula or an abscess would come right back. I have a J pouch for UC that I've had for 20 years and up until 2 years ago had few problems...
Posted 1/4/2012 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
I currently have 7setons in. My *** is wired for sound. My docs at the mayo clinic say the record hes done is 15 setons. How terrible. Anyway, I know how you feel about them. It sux always having to wear a pad because you dont want blood and other drainage to seap through your pants. So if you say you still have drainage, it may not be safe to pull them out just yet. It's a double edged sword to see the drainage. It's good knowing that the setons are doing their job but it's also discouraging because it's still an indicator of having active crohns disease. Just be patient my friend. One day you, I, and everyone else with setons will likely get them removed. But doing it too soon can be a setback.
Posted 1/5/2012 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for replies everyone! Good luck with your surgery, Shellie! Eeep- 7 bands Casemonster??!! Goodness I feel as if I should be grateful to just have 2! You are an amazing person to deal with it so positively :) My surgeon said sometimes they just fall out. I'm kinda hoping that's what happens at this point!
Posted 1/5/2012 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have had my seton in for 5 years now.  My surgeon determined this summer that there was no more muscle involvement so it it going to come out in June.  When he tugged on it, I couldn't feel it anymore.  If he gets in there and is mistaken, then he will put a seton back in.  I also moved about 9 hours away, but have chosen to keep my surgeon that I had where I used to live.  He knows me the best concerning this seton, so he is going to be the one to take it out and do the fistulotamy.  More than likely I will eventually have to get one down here, but my surgeon and I connect so well, that I am keeping him as long as i can! 
Posted 1/5/2012 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Wow...I sure wish I had found this site 2 years ago !!! it's so cool to actually communicate with people who know what a seton even is must less what surgery I am having tomorrow morning at 6am :)) I am on clear liquids all day (a friend just informed me white wine is a clear liquid!!ha!)....anyway...I am hoping that the LIFT surgery works and that I can heal. I have very very little drainage at all from my fistula, so I hope that's a good sign. I will post this weekend and let you all know how it goes but I am ready to say goodbye to the seton :))
Posted 8/30/2015 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Almost two years ago, I had a horseshoe abscess that turned into a complex fistula. I have had five setons, now down to two bands. This week, I am having a bowel resection for the crohns and ileostomy to rest my bowel. Once the fistula is quiet, The next step is an endo rectal advancement flap. Twenty years with this disease, many surgeries, but the advancement flap sounds terrifying. Any words of wisdom about this procedure? It's amazing how many doctors and nurses don't know about seton bands. During a particularly bad flare, I went to the er. While waiting for my surgeon to arrive, I had one er doctor back up and say "***?! I'm not touching that". Like it was self-inflicted jewelry...
Posted 8/30/2015 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
You should post a new thread for better responses, hooj.
Btws, every surgeon who's looked at my fistula has also refused to touch it because they don't want to create more.
It blows my mind whenever I read about people who have had multiple surgeries, but I don't think poor me. I think, poor you guys!
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