Treatment of Bartholin's Gland Cyst in Israel

Comfortable conditions are created for foreign patients, ensuring coordination of all stages of treatment, a warm atmosphere, and assistance from the clinic's companion. Reviews emphasize the high professionalism of Israeli doctors, the careful execution of procedures, and affordable costs. Israel provides a rational approach to treating the disease, allowing for a quick resolution of the problem and a return to a normal active life.

About the disease

A Bartholin's gland cyst is a type of vaginal cyst that forms due to pathological changes in the Bartholin's glands located near the vaginal opening. The function of these small glands is to produce a mucous secretion that moistens the vagina. The causes of the disease are related to the blockage of the gland's duct and the accumulation of secretion.

Factors that increase the risk of developing the condition include:

• bacterial infections;
• blockage of the duct caused by microtrauma, inflammation, or swelling of surrounding tissues;
• suppression of local immunity, which increases susceptibility to inflammatory processes;
• friction and irritation in the perineal area (caused by tight synthetic underwear, sports activities);
• in some women, a cyst may appear without an obvious reason due to individual anatomical features of the duct.

In case of infection, the cyst cavity fills with pus and an abscess forms.

The clinical signs of the disease do not always manifest. Women often learn about a small, non-discomforting cyst only during a gynecological examination in a chair.

Symptoms of a Bartholin's gland cyst:

• painless or moderately painful round dense formation at the vaginal entrance;
• discomfort when walking, moving, or exercising;
• sensation of a foreign body in the perineal area;
• pain and swelling when the cyst reaches significant sizes;
• in case of infection and abscess development, acute pain, redness, swelling, and fever occur.

The prognosis for a Bartholin's gland cyst is generally favorable. The formation rarely malignizes, is not considered a life-threatening condition, and responds well to treatment when medical help is sought in a timely manner.

Treatment methods for the disease

At Ichilov Clinic, all modern methods for treating Bartholin's gland cyst are performed. Often, interventions are carried out on an outpatient basis or with short hospitalization, and if necessary, a multidisciplinary team of doctors (gynecologist-surgeon, plastic surgeon, infectious disease specialist) is involved. Patients are offered various types of examinations, histological analysis of the material, and further monitoring.

Conservative therapy

Treatment methods are selected individually, depending on the size of the cyst, the presence of infection, and the frequency of recurrences. In the early stages, when the formation is small and does not cause significant discomfort, and in the absence of infection, treatment may be limited to conservative methods. It is recommended to take warm sitz baths several times a day, which improve the outflow of secretion, eliminate discomfort, and promote healing. This procedure also helps an infected cyst to rupture or drain on its own.

In case of cyst infection and abscess development, antibiotic therapy is conducted. In addition, the patient is prescribed over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Radiofrequency ablation

This conservative method is used to treat small cysts. During the procedure, the cyst tissue is destroyed by heating with a thin radiofrequency electrode. The technique is performed on an outpatient basis, causes virtually no bleeding, and is characterized by rapid healing.

Surgical drainage

If inflammation develops in the cyst and an abscess forms, incision and creation of an outlet for the contents is required. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, takes little time, and allows for quick reduction of pain, swelling, and pressure in the gland area. A small incision is made in the cyst, and a drain is inserted into the opening, ensuring stable outflow of fluid and preventing its re-accumulation. This method is widely used in Israeli clinics as first aid for acute inflammatory processes.

Placement of a Word catheter

This method allows for the preservation of gland functionality and prevention of recurrences. After a small incision, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the cyst cavity, which keeps the duct open for several weeks. During this time, a new channel for natural secretion outflow is formed. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can soon return to an active life. Catheter placement is one of the frequently used effective methods.

Marsupialization

This method is highly effective and widely used in the treatment of recurrent Bartholin's gland cysts. The goal of the procedure is to create a new channel for continuous secretion outflow, preventing the recurrence of the cyst. This is achieved by forming a new duct for continuous drainage from the edges of the cyst capsule.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, is well tolerated, and usually does not require hospitalization. After the intervention, the patient may experience some discomfort; however, recovery is quite rapid. Within a few days, it is possible to return to normal activity. In most women, gland function is preserved, and the risk of cyst recurrence is significantly lower compared to simple incision and drainage.

Complete removal of the Bartholin's gland

In cases of frequent recurrences, large cyst sizes, or suspicion of malignancy, complete gland removal is indicated. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, lasts about 1 hour, and requires high professionalism and experience from the surgeon. At Ichilov Clinic, such interventions are carried out by experienced gynecologist-surgeons, ensuring a low risk of complications and quick recovery. Despite the radical nature of the method, it successfully resolves the problem and eliminates the possibility of cyst recurrence in the future.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeries

After the removal of large cysts or as a result of multiple interventions, tissues often become deformed. In such cases, plastic surgery methods are used to restore the normal anatomy of the area. Israeli specialists take into account the patient's characteristics and strive to achieve the most natural result while maintaining comfort and sensitivity.

Open excision

If the treating physician has suspicions of malignancy of the neoplasm, excision of the cyst, collection of pathological tissues, and histological analysis are indicated.

Diagnostic methods for the disease

At Ichilov Clinic, it is possible to conduct examinations, establish a diagnosis, and develop a treatment program within three days.

First day

Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient is directed to a primary consultation with the treating gynecologist. The doctor conducts a gynecological examination, assesses the localization, size, and tenderness of the formation, and checks for signs of inflammation or abscess formation. Necessary examinations are assigned during the appointment.

Second day

Conducting examinations:

• laboratory examination of vaginal smear;
• complete blood count and biochemical analysis;
• ultrasound examination of the cyst;
• puncture of the cyst cavity to obtain a sample of its contents for cytological analysis;
• biopsy and histological analysis of cyst tissues.

Third day

The results of the examinations are reviewed by a medical board. After diagnosing, the doctors develop a therapy scheme.

How much does treatment cost

Advantages of treatment in Israel

• High qualification of gynecologists.
• Use of modern treatment methods.
• Clear organization of the treatment process.
• Comfortable conditions.
• Affordable prices.

Foreign patients can have an online consultation with an Israeli gynecologist from home. It is necessary to contact the clinic consultant, discuss the conditions, and connect with the doctor at the appointed time. He will answer all questions and provide recommendations regarding treatment.