Hi PAMMIESKRH. I currently have an anal fistula that has a drain (Seton) in it. The fistula came up about 3 months ago. This caused my doc to want to do a scope and he found allot of inflammation in the pouch as well as in my small intestine which resulted in a "Chrohn's like" diagnosis for me. They have since put me on Entocort as well as the first infusion of Stelara. I feel better now than I have since I had my takedown in 2014. That being said they would not close the fistula due to the inflammation. So the Seton stays in until September when they will finally do the surgery to close the fistula. It was explained to me like this, to put the Seton drain in he ran a metal rod through the fistula to make a single passageway, at which time he placed a band around to hold it open and allow it to drain any infection out. It has not drained in 3 weeks now. Basically he said the procedure to remove the Seton and correct the fistula is as simple as "cutting a ditch". So they will make and incision where the band currently is and allow the wound to heal. That's it. I know it will not be pleasant due to the location but I want it fixed. The other alternative is the Seton drain, but they tighten the band in increments until it basically cuts all the way through and accomplishes the same thing. Some people can't have the surgery due to the location of where the fistula came out. If there is too much muscle between the fistula location and your anus, they won't do surgery.