What is the best way to treat Bartholin's gland cyst?

Bartholin's gland cysts are caused by the blockage of the Bartholin's gland ducts and the accumulation of secretions. After the inflammatory reaction subsides, the gland ducts are blocked and the secretions cannot be discharged. The concentrated fluid gradually turns into fermented fluid and causes cysts. The mucus in the gland cavity is thick or the gland is congenitally small and the fluid is blocked, which can also cause cysts. It can also be caused by damage to the Bartholin's glands, such as scars blocking the gland ducts after perineal and vaginal lacerations during childbirth, or damage to the glands during episiotomy.

Clinical symptoms of Bartholin's gland swelling

The size of the Bartholin's gland swelling varies, and most of them start small and gradually expand. Some can persist for many years without changing. If the swelling is small and not infected, the patient may not have active symptoms; if the swelling is enlarged, the patient may feel a throbbing pain in the private parts or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Examination shows that the swelling is mostly on one side, but can also be bilateral, and the swelling is mostly oval in shape.

Bartholin's gland cyst confirmed

The diagnosis can be confirmed based on the location and appearance of the cyst and the absence of inflammation on partial palpation. Partial puncture is necessary to distinguish it from a cyst. The removed cyst can be diagnosed based on pathological examination.

Diagnosis of Bartholin's gland swelling

Care should be taken to distinguish it from labia majora inguinal hernia. The latter is similar to the inguinal mass, with a slight swelling of the hard mass when the breath is held downwards, and a tympanic sound when percussion. It usually pops out suddenly after excessive exertion.

Bartholin's gland swelling treatment

Because the cyst can exist for a long time and will not change for many years, it can be observed regularly and does not require treatment. If the cyst grows gradually and affects daily life, or is repeatedly infected and often forms cysts, Bartholin gland cystostomy can be performed. This method is simple, has little damage, and can preserve the function of the gland in the long run. However, the stoma should be large enough. After the stoma is created, it is best to place a drainage tube and clean it once a day with hydrogen peroxide or 2% iodine disinfectant for 3 to 4 times in total to prevent adhesion and closure after surgery and the recurrence of cysts. Once a cyst is formed, the drainage method should be cut open.

In recent years, CO2 lasers have been used for ostomy treatment, with a high cure rate, no side effects, simple operation, short treatment time, no need for surgical sutures, and patients can be treated in hospital outpatient clinics; because the high thermoelectric effect of the laser can coagulate and carbonize tissue cells, and because the laser has an effect on hemoglobin concentration, it has a good coagulation effect, less bleeding during and after the operation, and can maintain the normal function of the gland duct, no effect on sexual life, no infection after the operation, and no need for antibiotics. However, this key technical field is not yet common and requires further observation and scientific research.