Understanding Seton Placement for Pilonidal Sinus Treatment
Last November, I underwent laser surgery for a pilonidal sinus, but the procedure did not go as planned; the area became infected and extremely painful. Since then, I’ve needed to visit my general practitioner daily for cleaning and dressing changes. I am scheduled for another surgery, where they will place a seton in the area. This seton will remain for about three months, after which they plan to attempt the laser surgery again. I’m unfamiliar with the concept of a seton and would like to know how it might impact my daily life as well as strategies for managing it effectively.
Answers (1)

7/8/2025, 9:02:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
A seton is a type of medical device that is used to manage draining wounds or fistulas, such as those associated with a pilonidal sinus. Since you’ve experienced complications from your previous surgery, understanding how a seton will fit into your daily life and how to manage it effectively can help ease your concerns.
Overview of Seton Placement
Placing a seton involves threading a piece of material (often a piece of surgical thread or a special type of tubing) through the sinus tract. Its primary purpose is to keep the tract open, allowing for continuous drainage and reducing the risk of further infection. This can help your body heal properly over time.
Impact on Daily Life
-
Activity Limitations: Initially, you may need to limit certain activities, especially those that might strain the area, like heavy lifting or prolonged sitting. It's important to listen to your body.
-
Hygiene Care: Daily hygiene will be crucial to prevent infection. You’ll need to clean the area gently with mild soap and water, and continue with dressing changes as directed by your healthcare provider.
-
Emergency Signs: Be vigilant for any signs of increased infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If you notice these symptoms, immediate attention may be necessary.
-
Diet Considerations: While you manage this condition, maintaining a healthy diet can promote healing. Focus on a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Strategies for Effective Management
-
Follow Care Instructions: Adhere strictly to the cleaning and dressing change schedule provided by your healthcare provider. Keeping a consistent routine will help reduce chances of infection.
-
Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. Always follow recommended dosages.
-
Physical Comfort: Using a cushion when sitting can relieve pressure on the area and make daily activities more comfortable. Consider using a inflatable donut cushion if sitting for extended periods is necessary.
-
Follow-Up Care: Keep your follow-up appointments, as these are essential for monitoring healing and planning future surgical interventions.
Conclusion
While adjusting to life with a seton may seem daunting, many people manage it successfully with proper care and attention. Prioritize hygiene, watch for any concerning symptoms, and communicate openly with your healthcare team for the best outcomes. Understanding the seton’s role and having a clear care plan will help you navigate this period more smoothly. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Understanding Ferritin Levels: Why Symptoms Matter
A 37-year-old woman weighing 175 pounds is experiencing chronic fatigue, frequent dizziness, persistent coldness in her extremities, and a bluish tint to her nails. She feels winded easily, particularly when ascending stairs, and has noticed alterations in her vision, along with a whooshing sensation in her head as if she might faint when rising too quickly. Her thumbnails are exhibiting a spoon-like shape, and she is dealing with hair loss, breakage, and bruises that heal exceptionally slowly. Additionally, she primarily follows a vegetarian diet. Recent lab tests revealed standard results on the surface, yet they show low values: ferritin at 16, iron saturation at 21, total iron at 71, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) at 335. Her primary care physician (PCP) insists that her symptoms are not connected to her ferritin or iron levels, reasoning that her hemoglobin (HBG) of 13.9 should not cause dizziness. The doctor suggested that fatigue could be resolved simply by going to bed earlier, while the dizziness—occurring occasionally and upon standing—could be alleviated by hydrating and moving more cautiously. The pitted spoon nails, according to the PCP, might stem from various causes, including potential deficiencies in iron or other nutrients. The physician recommended a multivitamin containing iron and zinc but expressed doubt about the woman's ability to handle oral iron supplements. They contended that while she might not need iron, the supplementation could still be beneficial. In contrast, her sister-in-law, who experiences milder symptoms but possesses higher lab values, was prescribed iron infusions as soon as her ferritin fell below 30. The same PCP advised that a menstruating woman should ideally maintain a ferritin level closer to 100. This raises an important question: can a primary care physician clarify the discrepancy in the approaches to treatment and explain why this woman's symptoms are overlooked, in light of her "low but technically normal" lab results?
Seeking Help: Unexplained Issues with My Ear Canals
I am a 21-year-old female with a medical history that includes domestic violence, Factor V Leiden, asthma, elevated ANA and C3 levels, low IGA, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recently, I have been experiencing some unusual and troubling issues with my ear canals. Despite multiple consultations, including visits to an ENT specialist and subsequent referrals to an immunologist and another ENT as well as a dermatologist, no one has been able to determine the cause of my symptoms. My ear canal seems to have flare-ups unpredictably, presenting with white patches and striations in red and white. The discomfort is significant, with episodes of swelling that sometimes completely shut the canal, accompanied by a burning sensation and considerable pain. I take great care not to use cotton swabs or insert any objects into my ears and do my best to prevent water from entering them, yet the situation persists. The only treatment that has brought me any level of comfort has been steroids and steroid drops. At this stage, we've excluded common fungal and bacterial infections, along with psoriasis as the potential cause of my condition. I'm open to any advice or recommendations you might have! Previously, I encountered inner ear infections, but those seem to have improved thanks to a nasal spray I was using. Now, it's solely the outer ear that remains an enigma. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my message and offer insights!
Post-Endoscopy Insights from My GI Doctor
I am a 40-year-old male who has been dealing with persistent nausea for a duration of five months. This ongoing issue prompted me to undergo an endoscopy. During my recovery, the physician informed me that I have been diagnosed with both gastritis and duodenitis. He mentioned that biopsies were taken to check for Helicobacter pylori. I inquired about the possibility of cancer, and he confidently stated that there was absolutely no indication of it. I’m curious as to how he can confidently assert that there is no cancer present without having the biopsy results in hand.
Understanding My Low Hemoglobin Levels
On June 12, I visited the emergency room due to a hemoglobin level of 6.4, which was attributed to menorrhagia. After receiving a blood transfusion, my hemoglobin rose to 8. Unfortunately, despite the cessation of bleeding, my level dropped again to 7. Following this, I had another transfusion, and my obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) suggested that I consult with my primary care physician (PCP) to explore the underlying causes of this issue. While my OB-GYN's tests showed normal results, there were some unusual blood work findings that she deemed outside her expertise. Last week, my hemoglobin increased to 9, but as of today, it's back down to 8 without any bleeding. I had extensive blood tests conducted today and tried to avoid looking at my results, except for the hemoglobin count. However, I couldn't resist researching other results, and naturally, a few alarming findings showed up online. I’m now wondering if I should be genuinely worried or if it’s something I can pass off. I have an appointment in two days to discuss the incoming results, including a blood smear that has been sent for further review. I might be overanalyzing the situation, but given my recent experiences, it’s challenging not to feel apprehensive.
Urgent or Awaiting Appointment? Understanding Potential Arrhythmia
Patient Information - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 8 inches - Weight: 140 pounds - Location: New York State Medical Background Recently, I’ve been prescribed Fluconazole at a dosage of 400 mg for a month. This treatment addresses persistent oral and likely esophageal thrush, which occurred after discontinuing Taltz. Although the medication for Taltz has stopped, the yeast infection still requires intervention. For detailed information on my thrush background, please refer to my previous post. Current Concerns Lately, I've been experiencing occasional arrhythmias characterized by 1 to 4 skipped heartbeats occurring in quick succession. This irregularity has gradually intensified over time, becoming more frequent. It took a while for me to recognize this change, as I've dealt with ectopic beats throughout most of my life, but I've certainly noticed an uptick in these irregularities now. Given that this situation has likely persisted for a few months, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact duration. I'm contemplating whether I need to seek immediate medical assistance or if it would be acceptable to wait for my scheduled appointment in about a month. The anxiety surrounding this situation has been quite overwhelming.