Posted 11/26/2011 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
hrsallee,
Fistula hygiene is a challenge. I use saline water in a can to gently wash the area when at home. Away from home I carry anti bacterial wipes to wipe the area clean. I do not have a ton of drainage, but at times I use sterile gauze pads to catch extra drainage. My seton drains were removed as they caused me a lot of pain. I had the colo-rectal surgeon do a procedure to marcupelize (keep the fistula hole open with stitches) and that has been helpful. The seton drains caused me to get muscle spasms in that area that were unbearable. I also kept getting UTI infections because the seton drains were so close to that area. I do a lot of sitz baths in epsom salts to sooth the area. I still discomfort in that area, but it is bearable. I hope this helps.