Bartholin’s Cyst

Marsupialization is a surgical procedure used to treat Bartholin’s cysts. Bartholin’s glands are tiny organs on the labia near the vaginal opening. The glands help provide lubrication for sexual intercourse.

Under normal circumstances, you’d probably never notice these glands. But sometimes, skin grows over the opening of the gland, trapping fluid inside. A build-up of fluid results in a cyst. If you have a small Bartholin’s cyst, there’s a good chance that it’s painless. However, they can grow large enough to cause discomfort and pain. They can occasionally become infected or abscessed. In those situations, your doctor will likely recommend treatment.

Marsupialization is also used to treat other types of cysts, such as Skene duct cysts, which develop near the opening of the urethra.

Marsupialization isn’t usually the first-line treatment. It’s a good option when other treatments haven’t worked. Your doctor may recommend marsupialization if:

If the cyst is irregular or bumpy, or you’re over 40 years old, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out cancer.

The procedure can vary a bit from doctor to doctor. Be sure to discuss the specifics in advance, so you have an idea what to expect.

You might not be able to drive immediately after the procedure, so arrange transportation beforehand. Marsupialization can be done in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient facility, usually under local anesthesia. This means only the area being worked on will be numb so you don’t feel any pain. In some cases, your doctor may prefer to use general anesthesia. This means you’ll be asleep during the procedure and not feel any pain.

The procedure would be done in a hospital setting, but it generally wouldn’t involve an overnight stay. If general anesthesia is used, you’ll be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking prior to the procedure.

At the start of the procedure, the cyst and surrounding area will be cleaned and sterilized. Then the doctor will use a scalpel to make a cut on the cyst, through which fluid will be drained.

Your doctor will stitch the edges of the skin in a way to leave a small, permanent opening through which fluids can drain freely.

Immediately after the procedure, gauze will be used to prevent bleeding. In some cases, your doctor may leave a catheter in place for a few days to allow more drainage.

The procedure itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. However, you may be in the recovery room for a few hours before you can go home.

Complications from marsupialization are rare, but they may include:

Contact your doctor if you:

You may have mild pain and discomfort for a few days. Your doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics to prevent infection. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers.

A small amount of discharge or minor bleeding for a few weeks is normal. A panty liner is usually sufficient enough to handle this.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the area. This may include taking one or two sitz baths a day for a few days.

Until you’re fully healed and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, don’t:

You should be able to resume normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks.