Should I have surgery on my fistula?

Posted , 3 users are following.

I'm a 19 year old student and I have been diagnosed with a mild perianal fistula. I do not suffer from any pain and there is only occassional mild discharge. It seems that it is a necessity to have surgery, however most articles seem to assume the symptoms are more severe and the fistula is nearer to the anus (mine is quite a way above the anus, although it is still perianal). The surgery seems to have a rather long and uncomfortable recovery period that seems to outweigh my current symptoms.

Is it necessary for me to go ahead with surgery?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Sam,

    I would suggest that if you have been offered surgery to go ahead. As you are young it will heal well and you should have no more problems.

    Fistula's can suddenly get a lot worse and cause all sorts of discomfort and even infections.

    You are far better to get it seen to while it is easy to do and recover from. You will probably be surprised how quickly you recover and get on with your life.

    Believe me it is worth it in the long run.

    Best of luck, Fanny Jane.

  • Posted

    These Fistulas are like icebergs, outwardly you can only see a few percent of them neutral Maybe you can push to get a CT or MRI to discover it's true extent and base your decision on that smile
  • Posted

    I would recommend having the surgery. This time last year I developed a abscess and fistula and had the surgery, it did take months to heal and daily visits to my doctors for dressing changes but now I have no problems and I now have no worries of the fistula becoming worse

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