J Pouch and Fistula LIFT procedure

Hi, has anyone here had a LIFT procedure (to repair an anal fistula) with a J Pouch? Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract..

My J Pouch is about 13 years old and my surgeon said my fistula was naturally occurring rather than an indicator that my UC turned to Crohn's, which is good news.

I had the LIFT procedure 8 days ago and am healing up. It's hard for me to stop thinking about how the surgeon said that there is 40% chance the fistula returns and then I will need to have a much more complicated surgery. I looked at the state of healing down there, and I noticed that the fistula still looks to be there, but I think it's because the skin/scar tissue of the fistula was not removed during the LIFT surgery. Does that make sense, that the fistula "bump" would still be there? It's only been 8 days since surgery so it can't have *returned* yet, right? Wondering how concerned I should be. It doesn't hurt if I touch it.

Also, do you all agree with that metric -- that there's a 60% chance of a successful LIFT surgery? The Dr said if it fails, I will need to have a temp ostomy as they "pull up" the entire J Pouch to return the affected area.

Thanks

I don't have any answers, but I think you're going to have to be patient and try to not to expect the worst. I know it's easier said than done...

Did you get multiple opinions? It's always a good idea when you're facing something difficult and complicated. Let's just hope everything heals and it's a non-issue.

You could try J-pouch.org - I have a j-pouch with pouchitis.