Surgical management of Skene's gland abscess/infection: a contemporary series.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We report our experience with surgical excision for treatment of Skene's gland abscess/infection after conservative measures have failed.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients that underwent surgical excision of Skene's gland abscess/infection by a single surgeon from 06/1995 to 09/2008 was performed. Patients were separated into groups based on indication for procedure. Recurrence rate and success rate were calculated.

RESULTS

The final study group included 34 patients. After initial excision, 88.2% (30/34) of patients had resolution of symptoms. Recurrence of signs and symptoms that prompted further treatment occurred in 30% (9/30). In those that recurred, 88.8% (8/9) of patients had resolution of symptoms after further therapy. Overall success rate in complete resolution of symptoms after all treatment was 85.3%. Only patients to fail were in the urethral pain and recurrent UTI groups.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of Skene's gland abscess/infection after conservative measures have failed.