Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation

Bartholin cyst marsupialisation opens a cyst so it can drain and form a small lasting channel.

Bartholin cyst marsupialisation is a minor gynaecological operation for a cyst near the vaginal opening. After opening and draining the cyst, the clinician stitches its edges to the nearby skin. This leaves a small channel through which fluid can continue to drain, helping the gland's duct stay open. A small tube may be used instead, or before this approach, depending on the cyst and your clinical assessment.

Soreness, swelling, and light discharge are common after the area has been opened. Keep the wound clean and follow the advice about washing, dressings, pain relief, and activity. Loose clothing can reduce rubbing. You may need to pause sex, swimming, and strenuous exercise until discomfort and discharge have settled and the clinician says the wound is healing well.

Possible problems include bleeding, infection, persistent tenderness, a wound that heals slowly, or the cyst returning. The channel can close or become blocked again. Contact your care team for worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or bleeding that does not settle. They can assess the wound and treat infection or drainage problems if needed.

The aim is to relieve pressure and create a new drainage route, so symptoms often improve as swelling settles. It cannot prevent every future cyst because blockage or inflammation can recur. A review is useful if a lump returns, pain persists, or the opening seems to close. A recurrent or unusual lump may need a different procedure and further assessment.

The operation is usually planned after examination, especially when a cyst is painful, infected, or has returned. Anaesthetic choices vary. The tissue edges are kept open rather than simply closed after drainage. Follow-up checks help confirm that the channel is healing and that symptoms are improving.

It may be considered for a painful or infected Bartholin cyst, a cyst that keeps returning, or a collection that has not settled with simpler care. An examination is needed to distinguish a cyst from other causes of a vulval lump. Read more about [Bartholin Cyst](/conditions/bartholin-cyst/) and seek assessment for a new or changing lump.

The area is cleaned and numbed or you receive another suitable anaesthetic. A small cut is made over the cyst, fluid or pus is drained, and the cavity may be rinsed. The edges are then stitched open to the skin. Instructions for pain relief, wound care, and follow-up are given before you leave or before discharge from the surgical unit.

The first days usually involve local soreness and drainage. Improvement should be gradual as inflammation eases. Keep follow-up appointments even if the lump feels better, because the opening and surrounding tissue need checking. Recovery time varies with infection, the size of the cyst, the anaesthetic, and your general health.

Every procedure has possible risks. Discuss bleeding, infection, pain, scarring, anaesthetic reactions, delayed healing, and recurrence with your clinician. Tell them about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, pregnancy possibility, and previous reactions to anaesthetic so the plan can be tailored.

Options may include observation for a small, comfortable cyst, a warm bath for symptom relief, incision and drainage, or a small catheter that keeps the duct open while it heals. The suitable choice depends on whether there is infection, whether the cyst has returned, and what the examination shows. [Vulval Lump](/symptoms/vulval-lump/) and [Vulval Pain](/symptoms/vulval-pain/) describe symptoms that may need assessment.

A gynaecologist or clinician experienced in vulval conditions can assess the cyst and discuss treatment. Take a list of medicines and allergies, mention previous cysts or procedures, and explain how pain, discharge, walking, or sitting are affecting you. Urgent review is appropriate for severe pain, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or feeling very unwell.