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Gynaecology
Bartholins Cyst/Abscess
General Gynaecology
This is a brief outline of the problem and is not intended to replace verbal
communication with medical or nursing staff.
What are Bartholins Glands?
Bartholins glands are two small glands situated on either side of the vaginal opening
that secrete mucus.
A Bartholins cyst forms when one of these glands becomes blocked or swollen.
A Bartholins abscess forms when the blocked gland becomes infected. It then
swells and becomes painful. On occasions this will burst without the need for
treatment.
The Bartholins abscess or cyst can be treated with antibiotics, but occasionally if
antibiotics do not work you will need an operation to remove it or what we call
marsupialisation. Marsupialisation means making a small pouch which opens onto
the skin and allows drainage to occur from the gland. On occasions this needs to be
performed as an emergency.
Your Operation:
This operation usually requires a general anaesthetic. You will be admitted to
hospital as a day case; the nurse will greet you and show you around the ward.
Then you will have your blood pressure, pulse and temperature recorded and be
asked some questions to complete a theatre check list. You will wear a theatre
gown, which does have a gap at the back, so please bring a dressing gown in with
you to keep you covered. When the surgeon is ready for you in theatre your nurse
will walk you to theatre reception and help you onto a trolley. The theatre nurse will
then be with you.
After Your Operation:
After waking up in recovery and the nurses are happy for you to return to the ward,
you will be taken back to your bed on the trolley. Again the nurse will check your
blood pressure, pulse and temperature and also your wound area. We will then
provide you with refreshments.
You will be able to go home a few hours later once the nurses are happy that you
have recovered, eaten and drank and passed urine. It is important that you arrange
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for someone to take you home and be with you overnight. You cannot drive or
operate machinery for 24hrs after an anaesthetic and this is a legal requirement.
You do not usually need an overnight stay.
What to Expect at Home:
You will experience some discomfort or pain. A prescription for pain relief will be
provided for you on discharge home.
You will find you will probably get some drainage from the wound site for a few days.
Occasionally the doctor will have packed the wound with a small ribbon gauze. This
will either be removed for you before you go home, or you will be asked to remove it
yourself the day after surgery. The best way to do this is in the bath as this has been
shown to cause the least pain. Please do not use any scented oils, salts or bubbles
in your bath until the wound site has healed. Keep the wound clean and dry; it is a
good idea to keep a sanitary towel on until the drainage has stopped.
It is best to avoid sexual intercourse until the wound is completely healed and you
feel comfortable.
You can return to work once you feel comfortable.
Risks:
There are some risks from having an operation:
Infection
Bleeding
Pain
Anaesthetic risks (the anaesthetist with discuss these risks with you)
Benefits of Treatment
Treatment will relieve painful symptoms and help treat the infection
Alternative Treatment
If you do not want to have surgery, you may consider continuing with antibiotic
treatment. This should be discussed with a doctor, nurse of your GP
If you have any problems following your surgery you can contact the Emergency
Room 0151 702 4140, we are open 24hrs, 7 days a week.
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If you would like to make any suggestions or comments about the content of this
leaflet, or would like a copy in a different format please contact the Patient Quality
Team on 0151 702 4160 or e-mail:
feedback@lwh.nhs.uk
Please note that Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke free site.
Smoking is not allowed inside the hospital building or within the hospital grounds, car
parks and gardens.
Staff are available to give advice about stopping smoking, please ask your Nurse
about this.
Ref: Gyn 14/08 (Version 2)
Review Date October 2012
Copyright Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust 2008