Outpatient management of Bartholin gland abscesses and cysts with silver nitrate

[Antibiotics in first-line in case of bartholinitis: Retrospective Study of 33 Cases]

OBJECTIVES

Acute Bartholinitis is a common pathology affecting nearly 2% of women in their lifetime. Many treatments are used, although their effectiveness is not demonstrated in the literature. The main objective was to evaluate the success rate of first-line antibiotic therapy. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with successful treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective unicentric study between January 2014 and June 2018 at the University Hospital Center of Nancy. Inclusion criteria were the presence of acute bartholinitis treated with first-line antibiotic therapy. Exclusion criteria were patients lost to follow-up after initiation of treatment. The primary endpoint was the absence of surgical treatment within 30 days of initiation of antibiotic therapy. Factors associated with successful medical treatment were sought.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included. The success rate of medical treatment was 48.5% at 30 days. In the case of symptoms that had been evolving for less than 3 days, the success of medical treatment was more frequent (75% vs. 35.3%, P=0.02). Medical treatment was more effective in lesions of less than 2cm (68.7% vs. 23.5%, P=0.01). After adjustment, the only factor associated with successful medical treatment was lesion size≤2cm [ORa=5.31 (1.05-26.81)].

CONCLUSION

First-line antibiotic therapy for acute bartholinitis seems effective but should be targeted according to certain eligibility criteria.

CO2 laser treatment for Bartholin gland abscess: ultrasound evaluation of risk recurrence

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser treatment and parameters correlated with recurrence in patients with Bartholin gland abscesses treated using this approach.

DESIGN

Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred forty-seven patients who met eligibility criteria.

INTERVENTION

Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of Bartholin gland lesions and CO2 laser treatment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

All patients received CO2 laser therapy, with median operative time 15 minutes (range, 12-35 minutes). Median postoperative stay was 1 hours (range, 1-4 hours). Estimated 3-year relapse-free rate was 88.56%. Lesion wall thickness 0.5-1.5 mm, multilocular lesion, and hyperechogenic lesion were correlated with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CO2 laser of Bartholin gland abscesses could be a valid option. Ultrasound characteristics of Bartholin gland lesions could predict lesion recurrence rate.

A review of the management of diseases of the Bartholin's gland

Bartholin's abscess and cyst account for 2% of all gynaecological visits per annum. This article reviews the anatomy, epidemiology and pathophysiology of the Bartholin's gland. The management of Bartholin's abscess including antibiotic use in the early stage of the condition together with options for surgical intervention are discussed and in so doing the variation of clinical practice in other countries is considered. The use of the word catheter, carbon dioxide laser are compared with traditional surgical techniques of incision and drainage and marsupialisation. The outcomes of treatment particularly the high recurrence rate (2-25%) and the associated morbidity are reviewed. Finally the issue of cancerous pathology as an aetiology is highlighted in the postmenopausal age group.

The Bartholin Gland Cyst: Past, Present, and Future

Bartholin gland cysts account for 2% of all gynecologic visits per year. The treatment of Bartholin gland cysts has evolved from a complicated, bloody procedure requiring general anesthesia to, most recently, a simple puncture of the cyst and placement of a drain performed in the office. Although treatments for Bartholin gland cysts seem simple on the surface, recurrent cysts as well as diagnosing simple cysts versus abscesses versus malignant tumors can complicate treatment for this common problem. This article exams a history of the treatment of Bartholin gland cysts, including the use of the traditional treatments of excision, fistulization, marsupialization, as well as cauterization with carbon dioxide laser and silver nitrate. Modern variations are discussed, including the use of hydrodissection for excision, as well as the application of magnetic resonance imaging use in devising treatment for recurrent cysts.

Female sexual health

Many aspects of sexual health relate to either preventative medicine (contraception) or managing normal physiological states (pregnancy, menopause). This article looks at some of the emergency aspects of female sexual health including genital tract trauma and genital infections.

Silver nitrate for Bartholin gland cysts

The management of Bartholin cysts by inserting a silver nitrate stick into the cyst cavity was performed in 15 patients. The cyst wall was expelled in 14 (93%) with no recurrence in a year. The only complication was the cauterization of the surrounding mucosa (20%). This technique seems to offer benefit over conventional treatment modalities.

Lessons to be learned: a case study approach. Finger discoloration due to silver nitrate exposure: review of uses and toxicity of silver in clinical practice

A 29 year-old lady attended the Accident and Emergency Department of a District General Hospital complaining of increasing black discoloration of the tip of her left middle finger; the appearance resembled that of gangrene. However, it was established that she had been applying silver nitrate to her finger, as prescribed by her general practitioner for the treatment of a small granuloma. Hence, the true diagnosis was of localised tissue necrosis, secondary to application of the silver nitrate sticks. On early discontinuation of the therapy, there was complete recovery. In consequence, it is recommended that the practice of unsupervised local application of silver nitrate to the fingers should be discontinued. Opportunity is taken herein to review the uses of silver nitrate in clinical situations--and of silver in any of its many other forms--together with their respective adverse effects.

Treatment of Bartholin's cyst and abscess: excision versus silver nitrate insertion

In a prospective randomized study, intracavitary silver nitrate (AgNO3) stick insertion (n = 25) was compared to the conventional excision technique (n = 25) for Bartholin's cyst or abscess. Two groups were similar with regard to age, previous Bartholin's cyst/abscess and size of the cyst. Operation and healing time was significantly shorter in the AgNO3 group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Chemical burning in the vulva was observed in one patient in the AgNO3 group, whereas hematoma on the operation site occurred in two patients in the excision group. Scar formation was found in two patients in whom excision was performed. Patients were followed for a period of 2 years and recurrence was not found in any of the cases in both groups. We conclude that, AgNO3 insertion treatment for Bartholin's cyst and abscess is as effective as excision and is associated with fewer complications. Because it is simple and inexpensive, it is an attractive alternative treatment modality for this common gynecological disease.