The Bartholini gland is a tiny paired gland, and its main function is the production of secretion that moisturizes the external genitalia and vaginal entrance. Normally, this gland is not palpable.
If it becomes enlarged (abscess, cyst or tumour), it can be palpated as a variably large, usually elastic and, in some circumstances, very painful mass on the lower edge of the labia majora. In the case of an abscess (purulent deposit), it is necessary to surgically create a drainage in order to empty the contents of the purulent deposit in an antibiotic cover with the use of a temporary drain. If the abscess forms repeatedly or in the case of non-inflammatory blockage of the gland outlet, a Bartholini gland cyst may form. As a rule, it is a unilateral and slightly painful formation, which represents an aesthetic and functional problem (difficulty in sitting, sports or sexual intercourse) and requires complete surgical removal – extirpation. The collected material is sent completely for histological examination.
Before the operation, blood collection and pre-operative examination are necessary, the procedure itself does not require special preparation. It is recommended to shave the external genital area. On the day of surgery, the patient must not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure.
Postoperative course:
After careful postoperative observation, the patient can leave the medical facility after only a few hours. After the procedure itself, you may experience mild pain at the surgical wound site, which usually requires analgesic treatment. Before going for home treatment, each patient is briefed on her health status and arranges a follow-up appointment. After the procedure, it is necessary to observe a resting regime, avoid lifting heavy loads and behaviours that could lead to bleeding, respectively. clogging infection (do not use menstrual tampons, vaginal lavage). Only showering is recommended, not bathing. In the first few days, rinse the surgical wound several times a day with disinfectant solutions (burdock sedation bath, oak bark decoction, or Betadine soap), keep the wound dry with sufficient access to fresh air. Limit sexual intercourse until the surgical wound is completely healed (at least 3-4 weeks).
