Bartholin cyst surgery

How much does Bartholin’s Cyst Surgery cost?

What is Bartholin’s Cyst?

A Bartholin’s cyst is a noncancerous lump that develops due to a blockage in the Bartholin’s glands.

The Bartholin’s glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin’s cyst. If the fluid within the cyst becomes infected, you may develop a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).

A Bartholin’s cyst or abscess is common. Treatment of a Bartholin’s cyst depends on the size of the cyst, how painful the cyst is and whether the cyst is infected.

Sometimes home treatment is all you need. In other cases, surgical drainage of the Bartholin’s cyst is necessary. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be helpful to treat the infected Bartholin’s cyst.

Before Bartholin’s Cyst Surgery

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst?

Bartholin’s cysts can be about the size of a pea to as large as a marble, or from about 0.2 to 1 inch in diameter. They usually grow slowly.

Small Bartholin’s cysts may not cause any symptoms. Since you can’t usually feel the Bartholin’s glands, you may not realize you have a small cyst if you don’t have symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they usually include the following:

. A painless, small lump near the opening of the vagina

. Redness near opening of the vagina

. Swelling near the opening of the vagina

. Discomfort during sexual intercourse, walking, or sitting

If the cyst becomes infected, additional symptoms can develop. These include pus draining from the cyst, fever, and chills. When a cyst is infected, it’s referred to as an abscess.

A Bartholin’s cyst or abscess typically occurs on only one side of the vaginal opening.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you have a painful lump near the opening of your vagina that doesn’t improve after two or three days of self-care — for instance, soaking the area in warm water (sitz bath). If the pain is severe, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Also call your doctor promptly if you find a new lump near your vaginal opening and you’re older than 40. Although rare, such a lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.

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Causes

The Bartholin’s glands contain small ducts, or openings, that allow fluid to flow out. The main cause of a cyst is the backup of fluid that occurs when the ducts become blocked. The ducts may become blocked due to an injury or irritation, or an extra growth of skin.

In some instances, an infection can lead to the growth of a cyst. A number of bacteria may cause the infection, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

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Risk factors

The exact causes of duct blockage are often unclear, though bacteria have a role to play.

However, the following characteristics increase a person’s likelihood of developing a Bartholin’s cyst:

. Being sexually active

. Being between 20 and 30 years of age

. Having previously had a Bartholin’s cyst

. Having experienced physical trauma in the affected area

. Having undergone surgery of the vagina or vulva

Diagnosis

To diagnose a Bartholin’s cyst, your doctor may:

. Ask questions about your medical history

. Perform a pelvic exam

. Take a sample of secretions from your vagina or cervix to test for a sexually transmitted infection.

. Recommend a test of the mass (biopsy) to check for cancerous cells if you’re postmenopausal or over 40.

If cancer is a concern, your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system.

Complications

Sometimes, bacteria can enter the cyst fluid and cause a buildup of pus in the form of a Bartholin’s abscess. This abscess can be painful.

A doctor may prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics to counter the actions of the infectious agent that is creating the pus buildup.

The abscess can develop rapidly. A person may notice the following symptoms in the area around the abscess:

. Redness

. Tenderness

. A sensation of heat from the area

. Pain during sexual activity

. Fever

. Rupturing and leakage

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Preparing for surgery

. Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.

. Tell your doctors all the medicines, including natural health products, such as vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia.

. If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.

. Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medicines a week or more before surgery. So talk to your doctor as soon as you can.

. If you have an advance care plan, let your doctor know. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets your doctor and loved ones know your health care wishes. Doctors advise that everyone prepare these papers before any type of surgery or procedure.

. Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don’t, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.

. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.

. Do not shave the surgical site yourself.

. Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

. Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Prevention

There’s no way to prevent a Bartholin’s cyst. However, practicing safe sex — in particular, using a condom — and maintaining good hygiene habits may help to prevent infection of a cyst and the formation of an abscess.

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During Bartholin’s Cyst Surgery

Treatment

Larger cysts or those that have become abscesses may require drainage and treatment.

If the cyst has developed into an abscess, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

For larger cysts, a doctor may recommend surgery after the completion of a course of antibiotics. The procedure for draining a large cyst is known as a balloon catheter insertion.

This procedure takes place under local anesthetic and involves the following steps:

. The doctor inserts a catheter into the cyst.

. They inflate the catheter and may use stitches to keep it in place.

. The catheter remains in place for about 4 weeks to allow the fluid to drain.

Other treatments include:

. Marsupialization: The surgeon cuts the cyst open and drains the fluid. They stitch the edges of the skin open to allow the secretions to come through.

. Carbon dioxide laser: This highly focused laser can create an opening that helps drain the cyst.

. Needle aspiration: The surgeon uses a needle to drain the cyst. Sometimes, after draining the cyst, they fill the cavity with a 70%-alcohol solution for a few minutes before drainage. This solution reduces the risk of bacteria entering the wound.

. Gland excision: If a person has many recurring cysts that do not respond well to any therapies, the doctor may recommend removing the Bartholin’s gland completely.

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Home remedies

If a Bartholin’s cyst is small and presents no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, doctors are likely to ask the person to monitor the cyst and report on whether it increases in size or presents discomfort.

If a small cyst causes discomfort, at-home treatment options include:

. Pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help a person with a Bartholin’s cyst relieve discomfort.

. A warm bath: Soaking the cyst for 10–15 minutes may help it burst and heal.

. A warm compress: Applying gentle pressure to the cyst with a flannel or cotton wool ball soaked in hot water can help.

It is important, however, to seek consultation about any unusual or suspicious lumps in the vaginal area, especially if a person has entered menopause.

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After Bartholin’s Cyst Surgery

Bartholin’s cyst surgery Recovery

After surgery, you may have pain and discomfort in your vulva for several days. It may be uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time. You may also have pain if your urine comes into contact with your wound.

Your doctor may have put a small rubber tube, called a catheter, in the cut (incision). The catheter keeps the area open so fluid can drain out of it. The catheter may fall out on its own during the first 2 weeks. If not, your doctor will remove it after several weeks.

You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may get tired quickly and need pain medicine for a week or two. You may need about 2 to 4 weeks to fully recover.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

Bartholin’s cyst surgery Aftercare

. Activity

. Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.

. Try to walk each day. Start out by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.

. Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, and aerobic exercise, for 4 to 6 weeks.

. You may have some blood or fluid draining from the cyst. Wear sanitary pads if needed. Do not douche.

. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

. You will probably need to take 2 to 5 days off work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

. Do not have sex until your doctor tells you it is okay.

. Diet

. You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

. Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).

. You may notice that your bowels are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Take a fibre supplement such as Benefibre or Metamucil every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, take a mild laxative.

. Medicines

. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.

. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.

. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.

   . If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.

   . If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

. If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:

   . Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor tells you not to).

   . Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

. Incision care

. Follow your doctor’s instructions about removing any gauze from inside your wound.

. Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry.

. Keep the area clean and dry. You may cover it with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.

. Sit in 8 to 10 centimetres of warm water (sitz bath) for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times a day. Then pat the area dry. The warm water helps the area heal and eases discomfort.

. If you cannot take a bath, put a warm, clean face cloth on your vulva to help with healing and pain.

. If you have had a catheter placed in the cyst to help it drain, follow your doctor’s instructions for activities until the tube comes out.

. Other instructions

. Wear cotton underwear. Avoid underwear made from nylon, polyester, or silk.

. Do not wear tight clothing until your wound has healed.

. If sitting is painful, you may want to try sitting on a doughnut-shaped pillow.

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What is the outlook?

Cysts on the Bartholin’s gland are rare. If they do develop, they’re easy to treat. Some cysts are so small they don’t even cause symptoms, and it’s sometimes possible to treat them at home.

Recurring infections may need more intensive treatment. See your doctor for treatment if infections do recur. If you’re over 40 or postmenopausal and you develop a cyst, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may need to perform a biopsy to determine whether or not the cells are cancerous.

Bartholin’s Cyst Surgery cost

The cost of Bartholin’s Cyst surgery in Iran is between $ 600-800.