My mother has bilateral tracts descending from a large abscess space near the colon.

The surgeon believed that the abscess likely originated from the colon, probably from ulcerative colitis. He believed that she had suffered with it chronically and undiagnosed, possibly for years. There was at that time no appreciable communication between the rectum or colon and the abscess space, however. (Probably the only saving grace in all of this.)

For the next three months wound care was administered, as the height of the abscess left lengthy bilateral tracts descending to her hips on either side. I had to pack the wounds up to three times daily - once daily when they were at their healthiest - and administer basic wound care, sitz baths, etc. I was taught how to do this by wound care specialists at the hospital and at home.

Unfortunately, her wounds continued to heal and spontaneously reopen despite healing from the inside out, because the bilateral tracts formed fistulae and continually fed the tissue behind the wounds. Multiple tunnels began to form.

Finally on June 8th, setons were placed. Two days later the setons broke after a bowel movement. New, more durable (thicker, looser) setons were placed on the 12th (two days ago.) Since then they have not broken and indeed appear far more durable and appropriate to the anatomy and positionining of her wounds.

Initially the wounds drained sanguineous discharge readily, but in the last 24 hours have begun to drain thick, viscous serous discharge.

Does anyone have experience with this? Is the thickening discharge a normal response by the tissue to the pressence of the setons? Should we be concerned? Her next followup is not for a week. Note that she has no fever, no redness, no warmth to the touch, and only minimal pain.

Thank-you, and my respect and sympathy/empathy to everyone else suffering with this.