tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA)

Introduction

An abscess involving the fallopian tube & the ovary.

Etiology

• extension of purulent inflammation of the fallopian tube

Epidemiology

• 100,000 hospitalizations/year

Clinical manifestations

• lower abdominal pain
• adnexal or cervical motion tenderness
• mass on vaginal palpation
• fever

Management

• broad-spectrum antibiotics
  • may be used in combination with transvaginal ultrasound guided aspiration
• surgery

More general terms

• pelvic abscess