chances of successfull fistula removal

Hi everyone, First off I'll give u some background info. Im 34 yrs old and 2 weeks before my 30th birthday I was diagnosed with UC.I had just under 2 yrs of steroid and remicade treatment, the remicade was excellent but they refused to give me anymore due to cost etc. Just under two yrs after first being diagnosed I had surgery to remove my colon and now have a stoma. I then got 2 vaginal fistulas, my surgeon told me i had to have my rectum removed and the fistulas would go which happened Jan 2010, he was right the vaginal fistulas did dissapear but I then got a rectovaginal fistula which produced an odourless discharge everyday.I had various procedures to clean it out in the hope it would heal but in never did so 10 days ago I had another procedure where the doctor stitched one end (or so I think thats what happened) I now have the most awful smelly discharge. Im hoping its just clearing it out and healing but im not sure.Its horrendous, I am totally paranoid, i have salt baths all the time as the doctor told me to do so not able to use soap in that area although it is rather soon after surgery for me to do that.I was wondering if anyone knew what the chances are that this is healing right. I have minor pain, its just slighly uncomfortable so its not an abcess.I know fistulas do tend to smell but mine never have done.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.Sorry for the essay :) 

I wish you luck! I have had a rectovaginal fistula for about 3 years now, which has a generally odorless discharge daily too. I decided not to attempt surgical repair, as the success rates are pretty low. Plus, I figured if I ever do get a proctocolectomy I will deal with the fistula at that time. I empathize- can't offer you any words of wisdom, but just know you are not alone with this incredibly awkward problem! I was more upset with the fistula itself than any other part of UC. I would let it drain, continue with the salt baths, & if you have any increased pain, tenderness, odor, swelling, etc. call your surgeon right away. I've never heard of a procedure where they close one end but keep the other open??? Is it intended to let it heal itself from one end???