I have a seton: what should I ask about the plan?

Why might a seton be used?

A seton is a surgical thread passed through a fistula tract. A loose seton may help drainage as part of treatment. Its presence alone does not establish the timing or type of the next step.

Questions for your next appointment

What type of seton do I have and what is its purpose? Is this one stage of treatment? When is my review? What instructions should I follow until then?

Keep your team’s instructions

Record the procedure name and date, care instructions, and team contact details. Ask what to do if the thread or symptoms change; another person’s experience should not determine changes to your plan.

Try the next step