(130) Marsupialization of the Bartholin Duct Cyst and Recanalization for Symptomatic Recurrent Bartholin Cysts

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Bartholin glands (BGs) are located posteriorly on each side of the vaginal introitus. During sexual arousal, BGs release mucinous secretions into the vestibule at the 5:00 and 7:00 positions via a 2.5 cm Bartholin duct (BD). The BD may become obstructed from trauma, inflammation, infection, vestibular or vulvar surgery, or idiopathic factors. Despite BD obstruction, the glands may continue to produce mucinous secretion causing cystic dilation of the duct. Thus, a Bartholin duct cyst (BC) is formed and can result in pain during sexual arousal. Treatment strategies include sitz baths, hot compresses, aspiration, Word catheter placement, or BC marsupialization. Objective This chart review was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of a new technique for BD marsupialization in patients with symptomatic BC. Methods This is a chart review of patients with symptomatic BC who underwent BD marsupialization using a new technique. This new strategy involves marsupialization of the anterior wall of the BC, identification of the BD lumen on the posterior wall of the BC under surgical Loupes magnification and advancement of the BD lumen directly to the surface of the introitus at 5:00 and/or 7:00 locations. The BD neo-ostium was secured with interrupted 4.0 chromic sutures. Results 14 patients (mean age 28 ± 9 years) between 2015 - 2022 diagnosed with recurrent BC-induced pain during sexual arousal were treated by marsupialization of the BC and advancement of the BD directly to the mucosal surface of the introitus. Each patient averaged 3 prior BC treatments (range 0- 6). Symptoms included pain with sexual arousal or walking/sitting (100%) and an introitus mass interfering with penetration (50%). The mean BC size on ultrasound was 2.7 ± 1.6 cm x 2.4 ± 1.7 cm. All BD marsupialization surgeries were performed as outpatient procedures. Sexual arousal was encouraged early post-operatively and mucinous secretion documented by vestibular photography post-arousal. With an average follow-up of 14 months, 11/14 (79%) symptomatic BCs have resolved. Conclusions A new surgical strategy is described for patients with symptomatic BCs involving BD anastomosis directly to the introital mucosa at the 5:00 or 7:00 locations, resolution of BD obstruction, and excellent restoration of BG lubrication. Disclosure No