Surgical treatment of Bartholin Cyst is suggested when the cysts are very large, infected, or recurring. At large, there are 3 major treatment options-

Surgical Drainage: As the name suggests, this refers to surgically draining the cyst through an incision. For this procedure, the doctor first numbs the site through local/ spinal anesthesia and then makes a small incision/ nick to drain the pus.

Thereafter, a small rubber tube (drainage pipe) may also be placed to support fuller drainage over the next few weeks. Once the drainage completes, the tube is removed.

The exact method used for pus drainage varies case to case. While in some, keeping the drainage site open is the best solution, in others, the site may be packed with a gauze and antibiotic solution needing to be changed periodically. Which method is particularly better for you, is best decided by your operating doctor.

This typically costs anywhere between INR 8,000 to INR 12,000 in India.

Marsupialization: Marsupialization is the most effective for recurring or extremely painful Bartholin cysts. This too, is performed on local or spinal anesthesia. The doctor first drains the cyst through a small nick/ incision. Post drainage, the incision is slightly enlarged to create a temporary “kangaroo-pouch” on the vaginal lips. This passage helps support fuller drainage over the course of next few weeks, thus preventing gland clogging and recurrence.

This typically costs INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 in India.

Bartholin Gland Removal: Sometimes, when the cyst is ever recurring, painful or your gyne suspects cancer, the entire gland might be recommended to be removed. However, this is rare and depends entirely on the specificity and severity of the case.
This may cost an average of INR 30,000 to INR 40,000.

Here is a general guideline to help you prepare for the surgery:

Discuss all your current medicines: Discuss your health conditions, medicines, supplements, and herbal potions elaborately with your doctor. This is because certain medicines, especially ibuprofen, insulin, or blood thinners hamper the surgery and risk excessive bleeding during the procedure. For the same reason, you might be asked to keep these on hold until a few days after the surgery.

Check for your BP and sugar levels: Just like any other surgery, marsupialization too, cannot be performed if you have imbalanced BP or sugar levels. This is why they must first be brought down and in control. The same holds true in the recovery period too.

Quit smoking/ drinking and use of recreational drugs: Do this at least two weeks before the surgery.

Confirm if the surgery is to be performed under local or spinal anesthesia: While you are free to eat or drink in case of local anesthesia usage, you are required to fast for a minimum of 4-6 hours for surgeries under general/ spinal anesthesia. Therefore, confirm the specifics from your doctor.

Change of clothes: Bring along a loose, cotton bottom wear to change into post surgery.

A medical attendant will take a few of the regular tests to record your BP and blood sugar levels before the surgery.

Then, you will be asked to change in a loose surgery gown to allow your surgeon better access to the procedure site.

The vaginal area shall be numbed with local/ spinal anesthesia.
Pus drainage and marsupialization shall be performed. The procedure typically takes less than 40-60 minutes.

Post procedure, you will be shifted to the general ward.