Abscess/fistula just popped

bratcatMember

I went to the GI this afternoon due to a bump near my anus. He said I had a fistula (going for an MRI to see where it's connected to). Anyway, I asked him what I should do if it bursts and he said don't worry about.

Well, it just started leaking. It's bleeding/pussing slowly (like a pimple). It's in an awkward position (kind of a crease) so it is a pain to keep up on it. What is the protocol for this? Am I supposed to ignore it and let it leak/drain on it's own? Squeeze it like a pimple to get the pus out? I have a sitz bath, but have a bit if incotinence and am scared I'll just poop in it... I'm going to call the doctor in the morning, but what should I do right now (it's 2:30am...)
Thanks.

10/23/132:25 AM

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beucfreeMember

I have a similar issue. I usually let it drain. Push on it while wiping with toilet paper, like a pimples, like you said. One other that works for me is that I put a gauze on it, which helps suck the puss and blood out. Hope you feel better soon. Take care.

10/23/132:39 AM

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bratcatMember

Thank you. I'll let it be. Just didn't want to do the wrong thing and make things worse.

10/23/132:44 AM

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TE MarieMember

I would let it drain on it's own. It sounds very uncomfortable.

I wouldn't do the sitz bath as you are right in not wanting to get fecal matter back into the open fistula.

Perhaps you can cover your bed with something to protect it and lay in such a way so you can rest.

Take care

10/23/133:12 AM

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n/aMember

After a BM, take a warm (actually, as warm as you can stand it) sitz bath. I'd recommend taking as many during the day as you can fit in. If you happen to leak a little stool into the sitz, just empty it out and start over (this has happened to me in the past as well. Best to try and keep the "wound" open and draining, and sitz baths are quite good in that regard.

Stool going back into the fistula won't be harmful, according to my surgeon; however, you don't want to chance a UTI.

10/23/1310:41 AM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Yes, sitz baths are what you need. They will help it drain, and increase the blood circulation, improving healing. This is considered a contaminated wound, so if some stool leaks out, it is no big deal. As mentioned before, just empty the basin and replace with clean water. No need to add Epsom salts or other additives.

You can even use warm, moist compresses, basically, sitting on a warm, wet washcloth or gauze.

What you do NOT want to happen is the draiange hole to crust over. You need to keep it open and draining.

Jan

10/23/1311:22 AM

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