Bio Lift Procedure for Anal Fistula

Hello, I am new to this website but have been reading about the fistula's, seton tapes etc that everyone has experieced.

I have a complex anal fistula and have had 2 seton tapes in place for almost 2 years. I was going to have the mucosal flap surgery but decided against it and now have been told about the Bio Lift surgery, which is the lift with the bio mesh inserted.

Would love to her from somebody that has had the Bio Lift surgery to get their opinion or whether or not it is a good idea. I am ready to do something, anything to get rid of these seton tapes but would like to speak to someone who has had the surgery first as I don't want to end up worse than I am. Thank you so much.

Hi cindybindy, and welcome to the forum. Sorry that you're dealing with fistulas. They can be difficult to deal with and quite frustrating.

Do you have IBD, Cindy? I ask because, as far as I understand, it has a great deal to do with how doctors will treat you. Most of the information and experiences here are geared toward patients with IBD. I wanted to make sure you knew that, just in case.

Here's a link to our Fistulas, Fissures, and Abscesses forum. I think you'll find we have a real good group of folks there who have (unfortunately) quite the breadth of experiences regarding these things. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

Hello cindybindy and welcome to the forum :bigwave: Definetly check out the above mentioned forum as there will be people here who can at least emphasize with what you are going through and hopefully someone there may be able to answer your query.

Really hope that this can be sorted for you hun.

AB
xx

Hi Cindy and welcome I can't help you with your specific question but wanted to welcome you. I'm glad you joined and we're here for you anytime!

Thank you all for your welcome words and link to the various threads. I have been (sort of) diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The doctors say all my symptoms and presentation of the fistula's point to Crohns yet all the tests and scans I have had do not show any 'active' Crohns.

The latest specialist I have seen (3rd opinion) is very keen to do the Bio Lift Procedure on me but I am really scared that I might end up worse. I have a little incontinence with my seton tapes in (going on 2 years now), mainly when I am out running (for exercise) which can be quite embarassing at times but don't want to risk getting worse.

It is such a tough decision on whether to have the procedure done or not so I was hoping to make contact with someone that has actually had the procedure done before I take the next step.

Thank you all again