Pelvic abscess

Pelvic Abscess

A pelvic abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the pelvic cavity, often as a result of an infection. It is a serious medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

Diagram showing sites of tubo-ovarian abscess.

Causes

Pelvic abscesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Post-surgical infections
• Endometriosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of a pelvic abscess may include:

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain during urination or defecation
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a pelvic abscess typically involves:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Blood tests to check for infection

Treatment

Treatment options for a pelvic abscess may include:

• Antibiotics to treat the underlying infection
• Drainage of the abscess, which can be done surgically or through image-guided techniques
• Surgery in severe cases to remove the abscess and any affected tissue

Complications

If left untreated, a pelvic abscess can lead to serious complications such as:

• Sepsis
• Peritonitis
• Infertility
• Chronic pelvic pain

Related Pages

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis
• Sepsis