fistula surgery

[Anonymous]

Random topic I realize, but I just had surgery this week to repair a fistula post childbirth-- a massive infection had also caused my episiotomy to break down, so that had to be repaired as well. Dr. Luis Sanz at VA Hospital Center did the surgery. I was wondering if anyone out there had a similiar experience and could let me know what the recovery was like. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I've had fistula surgery but it wasn't due to delivering. I'm 31 weeks now with my first and will be having a c-section to avoid the re occurance of fistulas/fissures. Mine was conducted back in 2000, so I don't remember much about recovery but I still have scar tissue from it. The OBGYN advised to me recently, that it had healed nicely.

Do you have Crohn's or something gastro-related? Since the surgery (in 2000), I've just been taking Asacol (two pills/twice a day) and have not had any problems since.

[Anonymous]

thank you for your reply-- no Crohn's or anything gastro-related here-- the fistula was the result of 4th degree tearing / episiotomy breakdown. I have been on a liquid diet since the surgery (doctor says for two weeks) and then I'll have to take stool softeners for quite a long time to make sure that nothing tears again.