From the Research
Marsupialization is the recommended treatment for a painful Bartholin's cyst the size of a dime, as it has been shown to have lower recurrence rates and higher patient satisfaction compared to Word catheter placement 1. When considering treatment options for a Bartholin's cyst, it is essential to prioritize methods that minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life.
- Initial management may include warm sitz baths and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.
- If the cyst persists or becomes more painful, medical intervention is necessary, and marsupialization is the preferred treatment option.
- For infected cysts (abscesses), antibiotics such as doxycycline or clindamycin may be prescribed.
- Surgical excision is typically reserved for recurrent cases. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports marsupialization as the first-line treatment for Bartholin's cysts and abscesses, with lower recurrence rates and higher patient satisfaction compared to Word catheter placement.
- This study found that recurrence was observed in 11 (8.3%) patients in the marsupialization group, and 12 (18.8%) patients in the Word catheter group (p=0.034).
- Median (range) VAS scores in the marsupialization group were better than the Word catheter group [4 (1-5) vs 3 (1-5); p<0.001]. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if severe pain, fever, or spreading redness occurs, as these may indicate infection requiring prompt treatment.