Female sexual function after surgical treatment of Bartholin's Gland Abscess: Marsupialization versus Gland excision

Abstract

Objective: In this research, we compared the pre-operative and post-operative sexual function scores in patients who underwent marsupialization and gland excision procedures for Bartholin's gland abscesses using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Material and Methods: A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients undergoing surgery due to a Bartholin's abscess were divided into two groups: 54 (51%) were treated by marsupialization and 52 (49%) by gland excision. The FSFI was used to evaluate sexual function status. The patients were asked to complete the FSFI questionnaire preoperatively and at 3 months after the post-operatively, and the pre-operative and post-operative total and subscale FSFI scores were compared between the treatment groups. Results: Both treatment groups had significantly improved sexual quality of life at the 3-month follow-up. The mean total FSFI score in the marsupialization group increased from 19.5 ± 7.2 to 24.9 ± 7.5 (p = 0.001). The mean total FSFI score in the gland excision group increased from 18.3 ± 6.8 to 25.3 ± 3.2 (p = 0.001). When the two groups were compared preoperatively and post-operatively, there was no statistically significant difference. The gland excision group was characterized by higher mean post-operative lubrication, satisfaction, and pain FSFI subscale scores compared to the marsupialization group. Conclusion: Gland excision and marsupialization methods applied to Bartholin's gland abscesses significantly improved the quality of sexual life. Although not statistically significant, greater FSFI scores were observed for patients who underwent gland excision. The physiological aspects of sexual life improved more in the women in the cyst excision group. Total removal of the gland did not seem to affect sexual function adversely.