Description
A collection of infectious material that is present in the ovaries and/or the fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus). The infection usually starts as a sexually transmitted infection of the cervix, then extends into the ovaries and tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease). As the infection progresses an abscess is formed. This infection is very serious and can lead to infertility.
Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain that gradually gets worse, fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, painful intercourse.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and define the extent of the disease include: imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan, cervical cultures, and/or laparoscopy. Needle biopsy of the abscess under CT guidance may be performed to get material for culture.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Cervical cultures, abscess fluid cultures, percutaneous abscess drainage, exploratory laproscopy
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and define the extent of the disease include: imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan, cervical cultures, and/or laparoscopy. Needle biopsy of the abscess under CT guidance may be performed to get material for culture.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Cervical cultures, abscess fluid cultures, percutaneous abscess drainage, exploratory laproscopy
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of disease and includes: hospital admission, antibiotics, percutaneous drainage of the abscess, and/or surgery.