Hi
Im not sure if this helps but i actually have a diagnosed fistula which occured after a bartholin gland abscess. You would know if you had a bartholin gland cyst/abscess, the pain is excruciating.
While it was devastating at the time, and it still gets me down from time to time now. My fistula is tiny and is now pretty much dormant. It will get irritated from time to time but i can deal with that.
My surgeon did try a very non invasive procedure to try and fix it but that didnt work and so, i decided to leave it alone and see what happens. I just live with it now, unless something blows up with it and im forced to act i wont touch it. Unless some amazing technology comes or advances in medical science or something Im not game try anything else as i dont want to risk my pouch which still healthy otherwise and serves me as well as it always has.
My fistula is a tiny tract, so early on it used to give me more pain but as time has gone on, it has settled down and only gets irritated when my stool is very watery and something slips through. Otherwsie its dormant so my advice is to assess the size and nature of your fistula. Dont rush into anything invasive unless ur forced to, ie constant uncontrollable leaking, pain etc. (Sorry im not sure what ur situation is presenting) but i just wanted to let you know there is hope.
Lou