BartholinitisN75.80

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 02.01.2025

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Synonym(s)

abscess of the Bartholin glands; Bartholin glands; Bartholinic abscess; Pseudoabscess of the Bartholonic glands

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Relatively frequent bacterial inflammation of the excretory duct of a Bartholin's gland (Glandulae vestibulares majores: 2 small mucous secretory glands in the lower third of the labia majora, whose excretory ducts open on the inside of the labia minora in front of the introitus vaginae - named after the Danish physician and theologian Caspar Bartholin).

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

Staph, strep, E. coli or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacteria penetrate the excretory duct where they cause inflammation and, as a result, adhesions in the duct. This results in obstruction of the purulent secretion and formation of an empyema (often called Bartholin's abscess). The gland itself is generally not involved in the inflammatory process.

ClinicThis section has been translated automatically.

Unilateral, extremely painful redness and swelling in the posterior third of the small labia. With progressive accumulation of secretions and tissue melting, formation of a bulging, fluctuating tumour, up to the size of a chicken egg, which displaces the introitus vaginae. Frequent fever and general feeling of illness.

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Antibiotic therapy initially with broad-spectrum antibiotics, as soon as possible after antibiogram. In case of significant fluctuation, incision at the site of the orifice of the excretory duct and drainage of the pus. At the same time marsupialisation to avoid recurrences: carding and subsequent suturing of the wall of the duct with the outer skin.

External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Initial open wound treatment, sitz baths with disinfectant additives e.g. aqueous quinolinol(e.g. quinosol 0.5-1:1000), R042 or polyvidon-iodine. (Betaisodona solution). Wound irrigations with polihexanide(Serasept, Prontoderm) or polyvidon-iodine solution and Ringer's solution, healing-promoting measures with special wound dressings. S.u. Wound treatment.

Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.

Initial inflammation usually resolves with antibiotic therapy. If marsupialization is not performed when emphysema develops, the risk of recurrence is high; after repeated bartholinitis, a Bartholin's retention cyst often develops.

Authors

Last updated on: 02.01.2025

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer