title: CO2 laser treatment for Bartholin gland abscess: ultrasound evaluation of risk recurrence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser treatment and parameters correlated with recurrence in patients with Bartholin gland abscesses treated using this approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred forty-seven patients who met eligibility criteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of Bartholin gland lesions and CO2 laser treatment.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CO2 laser of Bartholin gland abscesses could be a valid option. Ultrasound characteristics of Bartholin gland lesions could predict lesion recurrence rate.
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome "Sapienza", V. le del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy. violante.didonato@uniroma1.it
authors: Violante
authors: V
authors: Di Donato
authors: Filippo
authors: F
authors: Bellati
authors: Assunta
authors: A
authors: Casorelli
authors: Margherita
authors: M
authors: Giorgini
authors: Giorgia
authors: G
authors: Perniola
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Marchetti
authors: Innocenza
authors: I
authors: Palaia
authors: Pierluigi
authors: P
authors: Benedetti Panici
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult