Fistulotomy

[suzyp]

I am so scared! My doctor found a fistula on my bottom (almost by my vagina) and she recommended me to get it removed in less than 2 weeks! It is going to be outpatient, but I am curious as to if I'm going to be put under a local or general anesthesia I DO NOT want to be awake during the process! I am also worried that I will lose control of my bowels after. I'm only 29! I think I'm in fairly healthy condition, but lately, I've been having sharp cramping pains in my left abdomen. I hope it is not a sign of something serious......I'm so scared of what she may find. She told me she wont know until she cuts and gets in there. What is the percentage of something more serious being wrong with me???

Also, what is the truth of how you will feel after surgery? Are you able to go to the bathroom? Are stitches placed where they cut? Please HELP!!!

-So Scared... :(

[misspurple]

Try not to be scared. You will be asleep. I am 30 years old and also have a fistula. I had a rectal abscess back in Oct. '07 and went to the ER because it got so painful. They had to lance it open and drain it. In November my colon/rectal surgeon scheduled me for a fistulotomy since a fistula developed and kept draining. After surgery was done they told me that they couldn't find where the fistula lead to. Not what I was expecting. So, be patient, sometimes they are hard to find and fix. I have gone through a CT of the abdomen and pelvis (normal), a colonoscopy (normal). My Doctor is perplexed. But I trust her so she wants me to go in the OR again! Hopefully this time they can find the problem. As long as you have a good Dr. that you trust, you will be fine. Thank goodness for anesthesia.