BACKGROUND: Little information exists regarding sepsis following marsupiali
zation of a Bartholin's duct abscess. We report a gravida who became septic
after marsupialization.
CASE: A 30-year-old primigravida at 32 weeks' gestation underwent marsupial
ization of a Bartholin's gland abscess. Postoperatively, she developed feve
r with maternal and fetal tachycardia. She was admitted to the hospital and
started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Her temperature increased to 39 deg
reesC, and she became hypotensive. Blood work demonstrated evidence of diss
eminated intravascular coagulopathy. The patient was stabilized with aggres
sive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, transfusion of blood products and ox
ygen therapy. Within 24 hours, the fever and coagulopathy resolved. She was
discharged on postoperative day 5 and gave birth without complications at
38 weeks' gestation.
CONCLUSION: Pregnant women undergoing marsupialization of a Bartholin's gla
nd abscess should be considered at high risk and managed accordingly.