Patient's question:
Before the Stensen's gland cyst has recurred repeatedly, and it has happened 7 times already. It's unbearable! I have undergone incision and drainage, as well as fistula creation, but the results haven't been good! The onset and duration of this current episode: It has recurred again this time, and the doctor said because of the repeated recurrence, there is no longer a complete gland left, so surgery cannot be performed. On July 1st, I had incision and drainage and changed the dressing every other day. Each time, I used cotton swabs dipped in iodine to disinfect, followed by gentamicin disinfection, and then filled the abscess cavity with gauze soaked in gentamicin. However, after half a month, there was still pus coming out every time the dressing was changed, and the abscess cavity was very large. The doctor said that new tissue needs to grow from the bottom, bit by bit, until the cavity is filled. But based on the current situation, it really doesn't seem to be...Doctor's answer:
Hello, under normal circumstances, the Bartholin's glands are invisible and cannot be felt. If they become inflamed due to infection or form scars from trauma, leading to the obstruction of the ducts; or if there is perineal laceration during childbirth; or if the gland ducts are damaged during a perineal episiotomy and the duct openings are closed after stitching, leading to the inability of secretions to be expelled and remaining inside, causing the glands to swell and form cysts. When the cysts grow larger, they protrude externally, making them visible and palpable. This is what constitutes a Bartholin's gland cyst. Initially, their size is like a date or pigeon egg, painless and asymptomatic, sometimes even unnoticed by the individual, often discovered by a gynecologist. This type of cyst grows very slowly and rarely reaches the size of an egg, and it is mostly unilateral.If the cyst is small, without any symptoms, and does not cause any impact, it can be left untreated and does not require surgery. It is only necessary to maintain external genital hygiene and undergo regular medical check-ups. However, if the cyst is large or grows rapidly and exhibits symptoms such as local heaviness or discomfort during intercourse, treatment should be administered.
The treatment for Bartholin's gland cysts involves draining the cyst by making an incision and then stitching the edges with 6–8 stitches to prevent the wound from closing and allowing secretions to accumulate again. After the surgery, maintaining local cleanliness is important. A 1/5000 potassium permanganate solution bath should be taken after each bowel or urinary movement to prevent infection.
Do not panic. Emotions can also affect the condition, so it is recommended to cooperate with the doctor and actively pursue treatment.