During the operation, the fistula tract is identified and opened along its length, and the exposed inside of the tract is then cleaned out. The wound is usually left open without suturing it. The wound becomes shallower as it heals and ends up as a flat scar after a month or two. A thin plastic tube (seton) may be left in the tract if it is close to the anal sphincter. This Seton may stay in the tract for 8-12 weeks to allow drainage and healing. Your surgeon will advise you about which procedure is indicated for your condition.