again, EVERY fistula is different and may respond differently to different treatments. a seton may be left in for some time to allow drainage to continue, but then may be removed later for complete closure. yes, it is definitely very depressing to live with. but there are success stories of fistulas healing or becoming manageable with meds, surgery, etc. do not lose hope. some fistulas do branch, others remain as is. it varies so much and depends on the type and cause of fistula. crohn's fistulas are more persistent and can recur. there are other types of fistulas that may result from surgery or obsetetric/childbirth trauma. they CAN heal. it may take a long time.
please remember:
fistulas are relatively rare, so there is not enough data on them. they are very diverse, no 2 are the same. do not think yours will follow the same path as someone else's. this is what my doc says. there are many stories where fistula has been repaired surgically or healed medically or shrunk enough to be livable. there are options.