Question 1

An adolescent female reports a mass on her genitalia which is becoming increasingly painful. On exam, the provider notes an erythematous, edematous, tender mass lateral to the vestibule without discharge. It is determined that the patient has a Bartholin gland abscess. What will the provider do initially?

A) Obtain a consultation for biopsy of the lesion
B) Perform a speculum examination of the vagina
C) Prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic
D) Refer the patient for an incision and drainage and culture

C

Accepted Answer

DFor a Bartholin gland abscess, initial management often includes prescribing a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat the infection and referring the patient for an incision and drainage to relieve the abscess, during which a culture may be obtained to guide further antibiotic therapy.

Question 2

A patient has undergone surgical incision and drainage of a Bartholin's cyst with insertion of a drain. What is an important aspect of care for this patient?&#10;A) Administration of antibiotics&#10;B) Education about long-term dyspareunia&#10;C) Teaching about reproductive sequelae&#10;D) Weekly follow-up monitoring

Accepted Answer

A patient who has undergone surgical incision and drainage of a Bartholin's cyst with insertion of a drain requires weekly follow-up monitoring for several weeks to ensure proper healing and to prevent complications such as infection or abscess formation. Administration of antibiotics may be needed if an infection is present, but it is not always required. Education about long-term dyspareunia or reproductive sequelae may be relevant to some patients, but it is not an important aspect of immediate postoperative care.

Deck 138: Bartholin Gland Cysts and Abscesses