What is a Bartholin's gland cyst?

Bartholin gland cyst is a common gynecological disease. The Bartholin glands secrete vaginal mucus. If inflammation occurs, the mucus inside will not be able to be excreted, thus forming cyst symptoms. This is quite harmful to women's health and often causes pain during sexual intercourse, swelling of the vulva, etc. If such symptoms occur, they should be treated in time. Laser surgery or resection can be used for treatment.

Clinical manifestations

1. The cystic mass is located below the posterior part of the labia majora and protrudes toward the outside of the labia majora. The disease is usually unilateral but can also be bilateral. There may be no symptoms for a long time and it is often discovered during a gynecological examination. The cyst grows slowly and is usually no larger than an egg. Small cysts are oval or fusiform. Larger cysts can cause swelling of the vulva and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Examination revealed that the lump occupied the middle and lower 1/3 of the entire labia majora, the labia minora were completely flattened, and the vaginal opening was pushed to the healthy side. When a Bartholin's gland cyst becomes infected, it may form an abscess, and repeated infection may cause the cyst to expand.

2. Bartholin's gland cyst is not difficult to diagnose through examination. However, care should be taken to differentiate it from labia majora inguinal hernia. The latter is connected to the inguinal ring and can be repositioned after compression, causing the lump to disappear. If you hold your breath downward, the lump will swell.

Treatment

1. Laser surgery: Treatment includes cystostomy and cystectomy. Ostomy is suitable for larger cysts and those with recurrent acute attacks; resection is suitable for cysts with infection. For larger cysts, select the lowest point and use CO2 laser focusing (power 25W) to cut the skin 0.5cm, or use ND:YAG laser fiber (power 20W) to cut 0.5cm from the lowest point of the tumor. Remove the contents of the cyst and clean and change the dressing of the drainage port every day.

2. Resection: The enlarged Bartholin's gland is removed. CO2 laser focusing for surgery (power above 25W). After resection of a smaller cyst, the skin incision can be sutured and covered with a sterile dressing for protection. After the operation, a double-layer condom can be used to make a special air bag, which can be inserted into the vagina and then inflated appropriately.