Marsupialisation of Bartholin Cyst

Marsupialisation: A Lasting Solution for Recurrent Bartholin’s Cysts

The recurring cycle of a painful, swollen Bartholin’s cyst or abscess can be incredibly distressing and disruptive to your life. If you have experienced the frustration of having a cyst drained only for it to return, you know that a more permanent solution is needed.

At Happiher, we understand the debilitating nature of this condition. Dr. Manou Kaur specialises in marsupialisation, a definitive surgical procedure designed to break the cycle of recurrence and provide lasting relief. Our focus is on providing a safe, effective, and permanent solution so you can move forward with confidence and comfort.

Understanding Bartholin’s Cysts and Abscesses

The Bartholin’s glands are two small, pea-sized glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. Their primary function is to secrete fluid that lubricates the vagina.

• A Bartholin’s Cyst forms when the duct (the tiny tube that carries the fluid from the gland) becomes blocked. The fluid backs up, creating a non-infected, often painless lump or swelling.
• A Bartholin’s Abscess occurs when the fluid within the cyst becomes infected. This can cause significant, severe pain, redness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk, sit, or even move comfortably.

Why Simple Drainage Often Fails

A common emergency treatment for a painful abscess is a simple Incision and Drainage (I&D). While this provides immediate relief by releasing the infected fluid, it is often a temporary fix. The problem is that the tiny incision can easily seal over and heal shut, allowing the duct to become blocked again in the future, leading to another cyst.

The Solution: How Marsupialisation Creates a Permanent Fix

Marsupialisation is a clever and highly effective surgical procedure that prevents the duct from closing over again. Instead of just draining the cyst, the goal is to create a new, permanent drainage pathway.

During the procedure, a small incision is made over the cyst. After the fluid is drained, the edges of the cyst wall are carefully stitched to the surrounding skin of the vaginal opening. This creates a tiny, open pouch (hence the name “marsupialisation,” like a marsupial’s pouch) that is left open to heal. This new, wide-mouthed opening allows the gland to drain freely, effectively preventing future blockages and cysts.

Your Patient Journey: What to Expect

We are committed to providing discreet, comfortable, and expert care.

1. Consultation and Confirmation: Your journey begins with a private consultation to confirm that a recurrent Bartholin’s cyst is the issue and to discuss why marsupialisation is the most effective long-term solution for you.
2. The Procedure: This is typically performed as a day-case procedure under general anaesthesia so you are completely comfortable. Dr. Kaur performs the procedure meticulously, creating the new drainage pathway with very fine, dissolvable stitches. The surgery itself is usually completed within 30 minutes.
3. Aftercare and Healing: You will be able to go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions. It is normal to experience some mild discomfort and light bleeding. We highly recommend warm sitz baths (shallow warm baths) for a few days to soothe the area and promote clean healing.
4. Recovery at Home: We advise taking a few days off work to rest. You should abstain from sexual intercourse, using tampons, and swimming for approximately 4-6 weeks to allow the delicate stitches to dissolve and the area to heal completely. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure everything has healed perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the procedure painful?
   You will be fully asleep and feel nothing during the procedure. Post-operative pain is typically mild and can be well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
2. Will it come back after marsupialisation?
   The recurrence rate after a correctly performed marsupialisation is very low. It is considered the most effective procedure for preventing future Bartholin’s cysts and abscesses.
3. Will the area look different afterwards?
   Once healed, the permanent opening that is created is extremely small and typically unnoticeable. There should be no significant change to the appearance of your vulva.
4. When can I return to normal activities?
   Most patients can return to a desk job and light daily activities within 2-4 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for a couple of weeks.

End the Painful Cycle for Good

You do not have to live with the anxiety of a recurring Bartholin’s cyst. We are here to offer a definitive, lasting solution.