Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Has Fistulas. Having Pain Passing Stools. Has Cancer, Colostomy And Kidney Drainage Bags. Suggest
Hi XXXXX! Thank you for your question and welcome to our site.
I understand where you are coming from - I know that it is not easy for you and especially your sister. Both of you have gone through so much.
Based on her short medical history and the description of her current state that you included, she really has a complicated set of problems. One reason that her doctors will not repair the fistulas now would be that fistulas can spontaneously close by themselves without any manipulation. Around 20-70% of fistulas can spontaneously close within 6-8 weeks of their appearance.
If, by any chance, they do not close, only a surgery can be done to repair the fistulas. It is currently recommended to perform the surgery after 3-6 months. This waiting period allows for the abdomen to recover and become a bit more manageable during surgery and for any current infections to be cleared.
You have to understand that the body can only take so much stress and that a surgery can be a very stressful event. Waiting 3-6 months can really be a challenge especially with such a distressing problem but we also have to let her body heal. So she really has to improve her condition and health so she can better her chances to recover from another surgery especially with her history of seizures and cancer.
In the meantime, try to include in your team of doctors a gyne-oncologist and/or a urologist. Their expertise can really help in this area. They may be aware of new and innovative procedures to repair the fistulas that are applicable to your sister's case.
I hope I was able to address your concerns. If you have further questions, please let me know. Stay strong, XXXXXXX
Sincerely,
Dr. Galera
I understand where you are coming from - I know that it is not easy for you and especially your sister. Both of you have gone through so much.
Based on her short medical history and the description of her current state that you included, she really has a complicated set of problems. One reason that her doctors will not repair the fistulas now would be that fistulas can spontaneously close by themselves without any manipulation. Around 20-70% of fistulas can spontaneously close within 6-8 weeks of their appearance.
If, by any chance, they do not close, only a surgery can be done to repair the fistulas. It is currently recommended to perform the surgery after 3-6 months. This waiting period allows for the abdomen to recover and become a bit more manageable during surgery and for any current infections to be cleared.
You have to understand that the body can only take so much stress and that a surgery can be a very stressful event. Waiting 3-6 months can really be a challenge especially with such a distressing problem but we also have to let her body heal. So she really has to improve her condition and health so she can better her chances to recover from another surgery especially with her history of seizures and cancer.
In the meantime, try to include in your team of doctors a gyne-oncologist and/or a urologist. Their expertise can really help in this area. They may be aware of new and innovative procedures to repair the fistulas that are applicable to your sister's case.
I hope I was able to address your concerns. If you have further questions, please let me know. Stay strong, XXXXXXX
Sincerely,
Dr. Galera
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
