gynecology and obstetrics
Bartholin Gland Cyst and Bartholin Gland Abscess
Treatment of Bartholin Gland Cyst or Abscess
Sitz baths for mild symptoms For abscesses, incision and drainage and usually placement of a catheter for drainage Surgery for more severe symptoms and for all cysts in women>40 In women<40, asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment. Mild symptoms may resolve with sitz baths. Otherwise, symptomatic cysts may require a procedure to drain or remove the cyst. Forabscesses,a procedure is done to produce a permanent opening from the gland to the exterior because abscesses often recur after simple drainage. A small incision is made in the cyst and/or abscess, and then one of the following is done: Catheter insertion:A small balloon-tipped catheter may be inserted, inflated, and left in the cyst for 4 to 6 weeks; this procedure stimulates fibrosis and produces a permanent opening. Marsupialization:The everted edges of the cyst are sutured to the exterior. 500 mg 3 times a day). Oral antibiotics should be used when Treatment is also present; antibiotics should be chosen based on that region's antibiogram. Inpatient admission for IV antibiotics should be strongly considered if patients have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or are immunocompromised. Recurrent cysts or abscesses may require complete excision of the Bartholin gland. In women>40, newly developed cysts or abscesses should be surgically biopsied (to exclude vulvar cancer) or removed. Cysts that have been present for years and have not changed in appearance do not require biopsy or surgical removal unless symptoms are present. 