Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Tubo-Ovarian Abscess

Overview

A tubo-ovarian abscess is a pocket of pus that forms during an infection of a fallopian tube and ovary. This abscess is often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

A tubo-ovarian abscess is usually diagnosed with a physical exam and pelvic ultrasound. Some abscesses are found by using surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy) to look inside the belly.

A tubo-ovarian abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Very large abscesses or ones that don't go away after antibiotic treatment may have to be drained. Draining may be done by using a large needle. The needle is guided by ultrasound or by cutting into the abscess during laparoscopy or laparotomy. Sometimes the infected tube and ovary also have to be removed with surgery.