The gland opening can become blocked and the mucous builds up in the gland. This produces a Bartholin’s cyst that can become enlarged. If the cyst becomes infected with bacteria, a Bartholin’s abscess is formed. This can be very large and painful. It can be treated in the office. However, if this forms repetitively or does not respond to office treatment, you will be scheduled for a Bartholin’s Gland Excision.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there is risk of bleeding, infection and complications due to anesthesia. These are rare.

Procedure

You will call our surgery scheduler to set up a time for the procedure. This is usually performed at an independent outpatient surgery center or at Northside hospital’s outpatient surgery center. You cannot eat or drink anything after midnight. You will have an IV placed and be taken back to the operating room where you will be given medicine in your IV to put you to sleep for 15-30 minutes. An opening will be made in the skin overlying the abscess and the entire gland will be removed. Some dissolvable stitches may be placed during the procedure.

Post-procedure

You will go home 30-60 minutes after the procedure. You may have some mild swelling and discomfort and may take ibuprofen and use an ice pack to relieve this.