Postmenopausal tuboovarian abscess

Twelve postmenopausal women with tuboovarian abscess were manages at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center in the period 1970 to 1975. Post-menopausal uterine bleeding and a palpable pelvic mass were the most common findings. On admission however, presenting signs and symptoms were generally not helpful in making a correct descriptive diagnosis. Four of the patients had a ruptured tuboovarian abscess at the time of surgery, and additional pathologic findings were common. The total hospital course was prolonged, with significant postoperative complications in 7 patients. Three patients developed gastrointestinal fistulas and 5 patients required further surgery. Possible etiologies of these adnexal abscesses and suggested patient management including appropriate antibiotic therapy is discussed.