Surgical approach of tubo-ovarian abscesses from theory to our minimally invasive practice

BackgroundTubo-ovarian abscesses are entities of infectious etiology, mostly as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease. Over the past decades we verified that the treatment is lifesaving and the approach can be, and should be, minimally invasive. The advent of antibiotics, its parenteral combined administration, and the appearance of techniques of drainage, made possible a better treatment of this pathological condition.ObjectiveAnalysis of our experience in tubo-ovarian abscess treatment.MethodsRetrospective study, with database consultation, of all cases of tubo-ovarian abscesses treated in our department during a period of 4 years (2009–2012), with emphasis on our experience using a minimally invasive surgical approach, performed in 22 cases.ResultsForty-five cases medically and surgically treated, with 17 cases undergoing a drainage procedure.ConclusionA minimally invasive procedure was performed in almost half of the cases with a faster clinical improvement and low morbidity.