Vestibular gland cysts

The Bartholin cyst is formed due to the obstruction of the Bartholin duct, causing the accumulation of secretions. After the acute inflammation subsides, if the duct is blocked and the secretions cannot be discharged, the pus gradually turns into a clear fluid, forming a cyst. Sometimes, the mucus in the gland cavity may be thick or the congenital narrowing of the duct may cause poor drainage, also leading to the formation of a cyst. If there is secondary infection, it may form an abscess that recurs.
This condition often occurs in women of childbearing age, and small cysts can be observed regularly. Larger cysts or those with recurrent acute attacks should be treated with surgery.

　　The Bartholin cyst is a common disease in women of childbearing age. Before infection, it is mostly unilateral, of variable size, generally not exceeding the size of an egg, and when infected, it often is accompanied by the following complications:

　　Infection of the rectum leading to abscess formation: If the Bartholin cyst is not treated in a timely manner, it may occasionally spread to the posterior side, forming a perirectal abscess, and sometimes even溃破 into the rectum.

　　Formation of fistula: After the abscess is incised and the pus is drained, most of the abscess cavities can close completely and heal, but occasionally fistulae may form, with a continuous discharge of small amounts of secretion. Palpation may reveal small, hard nodules with mild tenderness, and pus may sometimes be discharged from the fistula when compressed. Sometimes the fistula may close spontaneously or become narrow, accumulating pus and forming an abscess again, which may also recur and fail to heal for a long time.

　　Mastitis of the Bartholin gland: This condition often occurs on one side, initially presenting with swelling, pain, and burning sensation in the vulva. Sometimes, the pain can be extremely severe, even causing difficulty in urination and defecation. When abscesses form, the pain can significantly worsen, with diameters ranging from 3 to 150px, even larger, and can be distinctly palpated with fluctuation. Sometimes, it may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, and the lymph nodes in the inguinal area may become swollen to varying degrees. When the pressure within the abscess increases, the skin on the surface becomes thin, and the abscess may rupture spontaneously. If the opening is large, the pus may flow out spontaneously, and the inflammation usually subsides quickly and heals. If the opening is small, and the pus drainage is not smooth, the inflammation may persist and the symptoms may recur even if they subside.

1. Unilateral vulva with varying sizes, not increasing in size for several years.
2. Large cysts can cause a sense of vulvar distension or sexual intercourse discomfort.
3. Examination shows that the mass is located in the lower part of the posterior aspect of the labia majora and minora, elliptical, and mobile. 4. Puncture extracts mucus or serous fluid.

　　Bartholin's gland inflammation is mainly caused by bacterial infection of the Bartholin's gland, leading to poor drainage of the gland duct opening. Therefore, maintaining vulvar cleanliness is the main method to prevent infection. Daily cleaning of the vulva, not wearing nylon underwear, and timely treatment of vulvar inflammation can prevent the occurrence of Bartholin's gland inflammation to some extent.

　　One, pay attention to the local hygiene of the vulva, and change underwear frequently in daily life. During the acute stage, absolute bed rest should be maintained, and attention should be paid to local cleanliness. It is best to expose the perineum to the air while sleeping.

　　Two, if there is a problem with the vulva, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner and not delay the condition. Young women and children can use low-concentration potassium permanganate water to rinse the vulva. Cysts are generally developed from inflammation.

　　Three, pay attention to avoid smoking, drinking, fish, eggs, and other fishy flavors, as well as刺激性食物 such as scallions, garlic, and chili.

　　Four, when inflammation occurs, choose the appropriate lavage solution. The solution is a 'weapon' favored by many women to combat vaginal inflammation, but many women are very blind when buying lavage solutions. The application of lavage solutions is very particular, especially the acidity and alkalinity of the solutions. Vaginal candidiasis (i.e., candidal vaginitis) should be treated with alkaline lavage solutions. For example, the lavage solution 'Jie'er Yin' commonly used by everyone is not suitable for this disease, and potassium permanganate solution (PP powder) is also not suitable. For trichomoniasis vaginitis, which manifests as local itching of the vagina and the appearance of thin, foamy white discharge, acidic lavage solutions such as acetic acid povidone iodine should be used. Jie'er Yin lavage solution and potassium permanganate solution can also be chosen. At the same time, vaginal inflammation often requires the use of other drugs such as some suppositories and oral medications.

Laboratory examination: Check peripheral blood count.
Bacterial culture: The sampling should be as close to the abscess wall as possible. If necessary, a small piece of necrotic tissue from the abscess wall can be taken for culture, and drug sensitivity tests can also be performed.

　　The dietary注意事项 for patients with Bartholin's gland cysts are as follows:

　　(1) Avoid spicy, fried, and warm foods: such as chili, onions, wasabi, roasted chicken, and beef, mutton, dog meat, etc. Because these foods are mostly hot in nature, if patients consume them, they may experience heat-induced fire, leading to exacerbation of the condition.

　　(2) Avoid seafood and other irritants: Common freshwater and seafood products such as river fish, shrimp, crabs, clams, and abalone are irritants. If they are consumed during treatment, it is not conducive to the regression of inflammation.

　　(3) Avoid sweet and greasy foods: If a patient has a Bartholin's gland cyst, they should not eat overly sweet foods such as candy, cream cakes, eight-treasure rice, pork, mutton fat, egg yolks, etc. These foods have the effect of promoting dampness, which will reduce the therapeutic effect of the Bartholin's gland cyst and make it difficult for the disease to heal.

　　(4) Abstain from alcohol: Cigarettes and alcohol are irritants with a warm and hot nature. If smoking and drinking are not prohibited during treatment, it is not only difficult to achieve therapeutic effects but may also worsen the condition.

　　You have to control your mouth to get well, and there are many small details in diet that really have a great impact on health.

　　The Western medical treatment methods for Bartholin's gland cysts are as follows:

　　1. Small Bartholin's gland cysts do not require surgery. Young women and children can rinse the vulva with a low concentration of potassium permanganate solution, take antibiotics, and follow up regularly. Larger cysts with obvious symptoms or recurrent pain, abscess formation should be treated with incision and drainage surgery, and the function of the gland can be maintained after surgery. Currently, the operation for the formation of Bartholin's gland cyst fistulas is often performed, replacing the previous cyst stripping method. This method is simple, has less damage, less bleeding, and can still retain the function of the gland. However, the fistula should be large enough, and it is best to place a drainage tube after the fistula. The cavity should be flushed once a day with hydrogen peroxide (peroxide) or 2% iodophor for 3 to 4 times to prevent postoperative adhesion and closure, and the formation of cysts again.

　　1. After surgery, sit in a bath with a potassium permanganate solution of 1:5000 to preventatively use antibiotics or alternate between 2% iodophor solution and 0.5% metronidazole solution for rinsing. Use iodophor gauze to pack, changing once every 2 to 3 days.

　　2. Other Special Treatments: In recent years, with the development of technology, laser surgery has been used for the treatment of fistulas with high success rates, no adverse reactions, simple operation, and short treatment time. Patients can be treated in the outpatient department without the need for wound closure or hospitalization. Due to the high-temperature effect of laser, tissue cells can quickly coagulate and carbonize, and laser has affinity for hemoglobin, so it has a good hemostatic effect. Low concentration potassium permanganate solution can be used to rinse the vulva during surgery, and young women and children can be treated with a low concentration of potassium permanganate solution.