Surgical management of pelvic abscess: laparotomy versus colpotomy

Abstract

Early recourse to surgery in patients with pelvic abscess has decreased the need for long periods of intensive medical care repeated hospital admissions for exacerbation of infection and reduced fertility. In this centre the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan Nigeria the traditional management of diagnosed pelvic abscess had been drainage by colpotomy after initial resuscitation. Laparotomy is performed for cases with suspected bowel injury or uterine perforation and when the abscess is not confined to the pouch of Douglas. Laparoscopy and transvaginal ultrasound as well as combined transrectal sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic abscess. These assist in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition and its treatment but are not readily available in our country. This study reviews the surgical management of this condition in our centre. (excerpt)