Abscess Drainage & Fistula Procedures l United Ostomy Associations of America

Abscess Drainage & Fistula Procedures

Abscess drainage is performed when a collection of pus develops from Crohn’s disease or a surgical complication. The abscess often needs to be lanced and drained by a gastroenterologist or surgeon.

Depending on the complexity and size of the abscess, a drain may have to be left in for some time to allow the collected fluid and infection to dissipate.

Fistula Procedures

When fistulae develop, this can require immediate medical attention, or fistula procedures, to prevent infection, worsening disease and sepsis.

Common surgeries for fistulae may include:

Placing a surgical band, or seton, into and around the fistula to allow for proper drainage and promotion of healing.
Diverting the portion of the intestine that is fistulizing to create a temporary ostomy. This allows stool to bypass the fistula via the ostomy site to promote healing. The temporary stoma created via diversion may or may not be reversible depending on the patient’s individual situation.
Opening the fistula up with an incision along its length to allow it to drain and heal.
Placing a medical plug or glue to seal the fistula so there is an opportunity for it to heal.

Written by Tina Aswani Omprakash. Medically reviewed and validated by Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPH. These webpages are funded by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

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United Ostomy Associations of America
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Biddeford, ME 04005-2293

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Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.