The Bartholin's glands are a pair of pea-sized glands found just inside the opening of the vagina. They secrete a fluid which acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.
The glands have tiny tubes and ducts, which can become blocked, causing the gland to be full of mucous and become a cyst. If this cyst becomes infected it is then known as an abscess, and can be very painful.
A small operation called marsupialisation is used to treat Bartholin's cyst or abscess. A small cut is made into the cyst or abscess just inside the entrance to the vagina.
Any fluid or pus is drained out, and a few stitches are used to stitch the lining to the overlying skin. This then creates a small new permanent opening for fluid to drain out of the gland.
Before your Operation
This procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, but a local anaesthetic may be used.
Following your Operation
You will need to be off work for about a week and you may resume driving when you can do an emergency stop without any pain. Over-the-counter pain relief will keep you comfortable.
Risks Involved & Benefits
The risks and benefits of this surgery will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Alternatives to this Procedure
Medical treatment.