Bartholin Cyst Drainage: Provider Type
A gynecologist is the primary specialist who drains Bartholin cysts, though family physicians, emergency medicine physicians, and trained midwives/women's health nurse practitioners can also perform this procedure in appropriate settings.
Primary Providers
Gynecologists
- Gynecologists are the standard referral specialists for Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses 1, 2
- They manage both simple and complex cases, including recurrent infections and cases requiring surgical excision 2, 3
Primary Care and Emergency Physicians
- Family physicians routinely manage Bartholin cysts and abscesses using office-based procedures 2
- Emergency department physicians can perform drainage procedures when patients present acutely 4
- These providers typically handle straightforward cases using Word catheter placement or simple incision and drainage 2, 4
Advanced Practice Providers
- Midwives and women's health nurse practitioners with special training can manage many Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses 1
- They can perform office-based drainage procedures for uncomplicated cases 1
When to Refer to a Surgeon
Referral to a surgeon (typically a gynecologist) is indicated for:
- Severe or recurrent infections that fail conservative management 1
- Menopausal or perimenopausal women with irregular, nodular Bartholin's gland masses requiring excisional biopsy to rule out adenocarcinoma 2
- Cases requiring complete gland excision due to multiple recurrences 3
Clinical Decision Points
Drainage is indicated when the cyst or abscess is larger than 2 cm, as these do not tend to resolve spontaneously and are prone to recurrence 1. Smaller, asymptomatic, non-infected cysts may resolve without intervention 1.
The choice of provider depends primarily on availability, the complexity of the case, and whether the patient is in an office, emergency, or hospital setting rather than requiring a specific specialty for routine drainage procedures.