Skene’s Gland Abscess

Abstract

Skene’s glands are glands situated in the caudal two-thirds of the urethra. Infection of the gland by bacteria leads to inflammatory obstruction of the paraurethral ducts, causing the formation of a cyst or abscess. Patients typically present with dysuria, dyspareunia, vaginal discharge, and pain. On physical examination, a palpable mass is present and purulent material can be expressed from the ductal orifice. Clinical assessment of women with paraurethral gland symptoms is difficult, necessitating further evaluation with imaging. Recent advances in sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging have dramatically improved evaluation of the female urethra and the paraurethral glands, clarifying findings at physical examination and providing accurate road maps for surgeons. Even though magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard, transperineal sonography is an emerging imaging technique that is being used to evaluate female urethral and periurethral disease in a more cost-effective manner.