J tube removal issues: Anyone have a fistula?

Posted by bluedog35 @bluedog35, Sep 22, 2025

I recently had a j tube placed and it became dislodged and was just causing all kinds of issues so the doctor thought it was best to remove it and use TPN instead. Before the removal, the incision that was used to place the j tube opened up and was having a lot of drainage which is what lead to the removal. The incision still has not closed and it's been 10 days and every time I drink anything (on liquids only) the drainage increases. Has anyone had a similar issue? how long did it take to close up? The drainage is so bad I have to wear an ostomy bag.

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@goldenshadow it was in the intestines. I just saw wound care today and apparently there is a fistula that formed which is allowing drainage from the intestines to exit through the wound. Trying some new bandages and thoroughly cleaned it out, so hoping that will allow it to close up and heal.

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@bluedog35

Mine kept healing from the top down then after a couple of days would reopen after it started to back up into my abdomen. The timeframe keeps getting shorter, it has done this 3 times, which is why surgery is my only option. I have been going to wound care for 7 months and they have been great but its just not healing.

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