Asian Research Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Bartholin gland cysts and abscesses are common in women of reproductive age and declines after menopause. Organisms implicated in Bartholin abscess include, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacterioides spp.

Objective: To determine the incidence, presentation and management of Bartholin gland cysts and abscesses at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, over a five-year period.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study that was conducted between 1st January, 2016 and 31st December, 2020. Relevant data were retrieved, entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

Results: There were 2,478 gynaecological cases managed in our Centre; out of which there were 26 cases of Bartholin cyst and abscess, giving an incidence of 1.05%. Most of the women were ≤ 30 years (14, 53.8%), single (17, 65.4%), nulliparous (13, 50.0%), traders (11, 42.3%), with only primary/secondary education (18, 69.2%). The left Bartholin gland was the most frequently affected (17, 65.4%). A positive microbial culture was obtained in 84% of cases, with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli being the isolated organisms. Marsupialisation was the treatment modality in all the patients.

Conclusion: Women of reproductive age-group should be counselled on this condition and encouraged to keep good perineal hygiene and better sexual conduct so as to reduce the risk of Bartholin cysts and abscesses.