title: Novel technique for management of Bartholin gland cysts and abscesses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Definitive methods for treatment of a Bartholin cyst and abscess include placement of a Word catheter, marsupialization, application of silver nitrate, and surgical excision. Placement of a Word catheter is the most frequently employed technique for office and emergency department (ED) management. However, many institutions do not have the Word catheter available; in addition, the catheter has a tendency to dislodge before epithelialization, leading to recurrence of the cyst.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We have developed a simple technique for management of Bartholin gland abscess or cyst using readily available materials. This technique involves using a small loop of plastic tubing, which is secured to prevent expulsion before epithelialization of a drainage tract.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 25-year-old woman presented to the ED with a Bartholin gland abscess. After administration of local anesthetic, a loop of tubing was placed, allowing for drainage of the abscess. The patient was discharged home with a course of oral antibiotics. At 3-week follow-up, the Bartholin gland abscess was found to be healed; the device was removed without difficulty, leaving two drainage tracts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique may be used as an alternative to placement of a Word catheter for management of Bartholin gland abscess or cyst.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07101-1709, USA.
authors.forename: Vitaly A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Kushnir
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mosquera
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D001494:Baths; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods*; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents