Management of Recurrent Bartholin’s Abscess

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the most effective method in managing recurrent Bartholin’s abscess

Method:

A retrospective comparative observational study was undertaken in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of MGM Women and Children Hospital, Kalamboli for a period of 1 year from July 2021 to June 2022. 13 patients having being treated previously between July 2020 to June 2021 for recurrent Bartholin abscess were evaluated and compared in terms of recurrence rates after a period of 1 year (July 2021 to June 2022) and were divided into two study groups depending on the treatment modalities they received:

1. Patient treated with incision and drainage followed by marsupialization
2. Patient treated with Bartholin duct cyst wall excision followed by marsupialization:

Results:

In our study,13 cases having being treated for recurrent Bartholin abscess were studied and evaluated. In group A, that were being treated by only incision and drainage, 4 out of 7 patients (57.1%) developed recurrence after a period of 1 year. However, 2 patients’ loss to follow up. In group B, that were being treated by bartholin duct cyst wall excision, none out of 6 cases had recurrence after being followed up for 1 year. There was 1 case that loss to follow up during the study.

Conclusion:

Bartholin gland cyst or abscess are common gynaecological problems seen in women of child bearing age causing discomfort in day-to-day life, requiring prompt surgical intervention. The total excision of bartholin duct cyst wall in recurrent bartholin abscess remains the preferred method as it is associated with lesser complications, shorter recovery, shorter hospital stay and has no recurrence in future.