Effects of the treatment modalities in Bartholin's abscess

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bartholin's abscess is a gynecological pathology commonly observed in the reproductive period. The etiology attributes this pathology to a wide range of factors. Even though there is more than one treatment option, there has yet to emerge a consensus regarding the ideal method. The present study aims to present patients operated on due to the presence of Bartholin's abscess. METHODS: The data pertaining to 15 patients that had applied to our clinic with various complaints and had been subject to silver nitrate treatment upon the diagnosis of Bartholin's abscess (Group 1) and to 21 patients that had been subject to surgical excision after the same diagnosis (Group 2) were reviewed retrospectively. The review was followed by the recording of age, gravidity, parity, presenting symptoms, mass sizes and locations, operative durations, and observed complications of the patients. The data thus compiled were evaluated through statistical analyses. RESULTS: In the specified timeframe, 36 patients were observed to have been operated upon, 15 patients to have been subject to silver nitrate treatment (Group 1) and 21 patients to have been subject to surgical excision (Group 2). All operated patients were in the reproductive period. Mass locations tended to be in the right side in both groups (93.3% and 90.5%). No statistically significant difference was observed between the operated groups in mass sizes (P=0.892). The operative durations were significantly shorter among patients in Group 1 (P=0.001). Any increase in mass size and operative duration was observed to increase the risk of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Increased mass size and extended operative duration are the two most important risk factors in the emergence of complications. It should be kept in mind that an effective course of treatment can be secured with minimum side effects through the performance of the operation in the shortest duration possible and with the use of suitable techniques. We are of the opinion that appropriate results can be achieved upon the consideration of minimally invasive treatment modalities in all aspects.