CO2 laser treatment for Bartholin gland abscess: ultrasound evaluation of risk recurrence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser treatment and parameters correlated with recurrence in patients with Bartholin gland abscesses treated using this approach.

DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING: University hospital.

PATIENTS: One hundred forty-seven patients who met eligibility criteria.

INTERVENTION: Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of Bartholin gland lesions and CO2 laser treatment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients received CO2 laser therapy, with median operative time 15 minutes (range, 12-35 minutes). Median postoperative stay was 1 hours (range, 1-4 hours). Estimated 3-year relapse-free rate was 88.56%. Lesion wall thickness 0.5-1.5 mm, multilocular lesion, and hyperechogenic lesion were correlated with recurrence.

CONCLUSION: CO2 laser of Bartholin gland abscesses could be a valid option. Ultrasound characteristics of Bartholin gland lesions could predict lesion recurrence rate.