by Marceline F, RN » Fri Jul 06, 2007 2:47 am
Dear Fistman,
You did not mention the underlying suspected cause of the origination of the fistula. Fistulas are abnormal connections between two areas or organs of the body which do not usually connect, or at a place abnormal to normal anatomy. These can have a root cause in an illness, inflammation, or chronic underlying ailment such as Crohn's disease and others that may relate to disorders of the intestine. As I do not know the origin of the fistula, or the surgical findings prior to surgical intervention, I am unable to surmise the etiology of the fistula or derive an expected outcome. It does strike me however, as it does you, that 8 months seems a bit overly lengthy in healing time. It would be best to relay these concerns to the surgeon who did your procedure for further assessment. Sometimes a fistula doesn't close because it still has material inside the area, sometimes it takes time, especially if healing by secondary intention (which is when the body is allowed to heal itself without surgical closure). If you can imagine a pipe line that you are filling in one teaspoon at a time, how long would it take for the entire process to fill/heal? Still, since you have obvious concerns about the healing process, it would be in your best interest to relay those concerns to the surgeon and or your primary physician.
