Procedures
Marsupialisation
Overview
Marsupialisation is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat Bartholin’s cysts. Bartholin’s glands are tiny organs on the labia situated near the vaginal opening. These glands are responsible for providing lubrication for sexual intercourse. In normal circumstances, these glands may be noticeable, but sometimes, the skin may grow over the opening of the gland, trapping the fluid inside. This then leads to the build-upbuild-up of fluid and the formation of a cyst.
Bartholin’s cysts normally grow slowly and cause symptoms such as:
- Painless small lumps near the opening of the vagina
- Redness near the opening of the vagina
- Swelling near the vagina’s opening
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse, walking or sitting
When the cysts become infected, it may cause symptoms such as pus draining from the cyst, fever and chills.
When is marsupialization done?
Marsupialisation may be done to treat not only Bartholin’s cysts but other types of cysts such as Skene duct cysts, which normally develop near the opening of the urethra. Marsupialisation is recommended if conservative treatment has been exhausted. It may be recommended if:
- You have recurring cysts
- You are experiencing excruciating pain
- You have a large cyst which may make sitting, walking or sexual intercourse uncomfortable
- You have an infected cyst which may cause pain or fever
What does marsupialization entail?
This procedure may be done as an outpatient procedure, under local anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Hlabisa will first clean and sterilize the cyst and surrounding area. He will then use a scalpel to make an incision on the cyst in order to drain the fluid inside it. The edges of the skin will be stitched in a way that leaves a small, permanent opening where fluids will drain freely. After the procedure, Dr Hlabisa will use gauze to prevent bleeding, and in some cases, a catheter will be left in place for a few days to allow more drainage. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection and pain medication to help relieve pain.
