Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration for treatment of tubo-ovarian abscess: a study of 302 cases.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration together with antibiotic therapy for treatment of tubo-ovarian abscess.


METHODS
A review of women treated with transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration for tubo-ovarian abscess at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway, between June 1986 and July 2003 was performed. Immediate clinical response and longer-term follow-up results were assessed.


RESULTS
A total of 449 transvaginal aspirations were performed on 302 women. A total of 282 women (93.4%) were successfully treated for transvaginal aspiration of purulent fluid, together with antibiotic therapy. In the other 20 women (6.6%), surgery was performed. The main indications for surgery were diagnostic or therapeutic uncertainty, such as suspected residual tubo-ovarian abscess or pain. No procedure-related complications were diagnosed.


CONCLUSIONS
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration combined with antibiotics is an effective and safe treatment regimen for tubo-ovarian abscess. The high success rate indicates that it should be a first-line procedure.
Gjelland
Knut
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Ekerhovd
Erling
E
Granberg
Seth
S
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014621:Vagina
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents