Fistulotomy

[misspurple]

I have been seeing a colorectal surgeon since October '07 after I had a rectal abscess lanced and drained. I was one of the 50% of people who then went on to develop a fistula. In November '07 I went in for a fistulotomy and after recovery the Dr. said she saw the fistula tract but didn't know where it lead to so she couldn't repair it. Not what I was expecting. She recommended tests to see if I had Chron's, Diverticulitis, colon cancer, ovary problems. I had a CT scan and a colonoscopy and they both came back normal. The fistula is still draining and sometimes painful and it's February '08 and I am still miserable. My Doctor is perplexed but I still trust her. She wants me to go back to the OR next week to try again. Her partner will be in the OR with her this time since I guess I am a difficult case to fix. Has anyone had such a hard time like this? If so what was the final result?

[msawyer]

you may want to expore anal endosonography. They are now using ultrasound techique to determine the path of fistula.
Here is a link. Good luck, hope this helps

http://www.springerlink.com/content/u31914258744r675/

[misspurple]

Thanks for the advice. My Dr. actually already did an anal ultrasound when I went to surgery again recently. Both Doctors still couldn't find the problem. Now I think I have to have an MRI. I hope they figure this out soon, I am so discouraged.