Impact of an Outpatient Word Catheter Program for Bartholin cysts and abscesses: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of an Outpatient Word Catheter Program (OWCP) on outcomes in women presenting with Bartholin cysts or abscesses (BC/BAs). .MethodsThis retrospective cohort study reviewed 408 women presenting with BC/BAs to our tertiary unit from 2017‐2022. Analysis of medical records, with subgroup analysis of pregnant patients, and comparative analysis between pre‐ and post‐intervention groups, was completed. Financial impact analysis using national activity‐based funding pricing guidance to estimate cost was conducted.ResultsPre‐intervention, 65% (n = 34) of procedures were completed in theater, but after the introduction of OWCP, 61% (n = 213) of cases were treated in the day ward (χ2 = 67.43, P <0.001). Similarly, inpatient admissions reduced; 94.2% (n = 49) pre‐intervention versus 26% (n = 92) post‐intervention (χ2 = 92.25, P <0.001). The mean all patient admission duration decreased from 1.52 ± 0.89 days to 0.69 ± 0.59 days (P <0.001). The mean cost for those women attending in the pre‐OWCP period was €4798, versus €2704 in the women who attended post‐OWCP introduction (P < 0.001).ConclusionAfter OWCP introduction, there were significant decreases in inpatient admissions, surgical procedures in theater, general anesthetic exposure, and duration of admission. Financial impact analysis revealed a significant cost reduction of ~€2100 per patient. Outpatient or day‐care Word catheter programs are feasible, affordable and acceptable services to provide to women presenting with BC/BAs.