MARSUPIALIZATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BARTHOLIN’S GLAND ABSCESSES: A
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.
Abstract
Background: Bartholin’s gland abscesses are common among
reproductive-age women and are managed through various surgical
interventions, including marsupialisation, Word catheter placement, and
incision and drainage (I&D). However, the optimal treatment remains
undefined due to a lack of consensus and comparative efficacy data.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of marsupialisation,
Word catheter placement, and I&D for managing Bartholin’s gland
abscesses, focusing on recurrence rates, healing times, complications,
and patient satisfaction. Search Strategy: A systematic review
and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Databases searched included PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science,
Scopus, and Google Scholar up to May 2024. Keywords such as
“Bartholin’s gland abscess” and “surgical management” were used.
Selection Criteria: Studies were included if they reported
recurrence rates, healing times, complications, and/or patient
satisfaction after surgical management of Bartholin’s gland abscesses.
Exclusions included non-English studies, case reports, reviews, and
studies with incomplete data. Data Collection and Analysis: Ten
studies involving 634 patients were analyzed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs)
and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, with heterogeneity
assessed using I 2 statistics. Main
Results: Marsupialisation exhibited the lowest recurrence rate (8.3%)
and highest satisfaction score (VAS 4/5) compared to Word catheter
placement (18.8%, VAS 3/5) and I&D (34.5%, VAS 2/5). Marsupialisation
also resulted in faster healing times (4.3 ± 1.1 weeks).
Conclusions: Marsupialisation is the most effective treatment,
offering superior outcomes for recurrence, satisfaction, and healing
time. Future research should focus on standardising protocols and
long-term outcome evaluations.