Following Marsupialisation of Bartholins Cyst

Bartholin’s glands are located towards the back of the lips of the labia that cover the vaginal opening. The glands (normally the size of a pea) provide moisture for a vulva area (woman’s external sexual organs). A Bartholin’s gland cyst develops when the gland becomes blocked. It can be blocked for a variety of reasons, such as infection, inflammation or long term-irritation. A cyst is a capsule (sac), filled with liquid or semisolid material that forms under the skin or somewhere inside the body. Sometimes a cyst can become infected and is then called an abscess.

The procedure

• Marsupialisation is cutting out a part of the cyst wall and putting in stitches so the opening to the gland does not block.

After the procedure

• You may have light discharge for a few weeks. Panty liners should be all you need to use to take of this discharge.
• You may experience some discomfort and the nurse will give you painkillers as prescribed.You may feel nauseated (sick) which is a common reaction to the anaesthetic. You can eat and drink as and when you feel better.
• A small gauze dressing is often left in the site. This dressing is removed the day after your operation. To enable easier removal the dressing is often taken out in the bath. Any stitches will gradually dissolve as the area heals, which will take approximately several weeks.

Going home

• You may be sore for the first few days but this will resolve. You may find it soothing to take a bath or shower once or twice a day after 24 hours. This will also help to keep the wound clean. Do not soak for too long in the bath for ten days.
• Sitting on a soft cushion for the first few days may also be more comfortable.
• You are advised to refrain from strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for two weeks to enable the affected area to heal.
• You will be able to return to work when you feel able to resume normal activities
• If you feel an area of tenderness around the opening of the vagina, a lump or tender area near the vagina and you develop a fever, contact your GP.

Further Information

If you are worried about your condition, contact one of the following:

1. Call the Addenbrooke’s Day Surgery Unit on 01223 256330.

2. Call the Ely Day Surgery Unit on 01223 652279.

3. Call your consultant’s registrar on 01223 245151.

4. Your General Practitioner (GP).