Overview
A postoperative pelvic abscess is a collection of pus in the pelvic cavity that develops after surgery. It can occur after various gynecologic procedures.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical suspicion, including fever, pelvic pain, and leukocytosis, often occurring days to weeks after surgery 1.
Imaging modalities such as ultrasound or CT scan are used to confirm the presence and location of an abscess 1.Management
Management generally involves drainage of the abscess, either percutaneously or surgically 1.
Antibiotics are a crucial component of treatment, targeting a broad spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic organisms 1.
The choice of antibiotics should cover common pathogens found in pelvic infections 1.Key Recommendations
Pelvic abscesses should be managed with drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics 1.
Imaging is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide drainage procedures 1.
Surgical intervention may be required for drainage if percutaneous methods are not feasible or effective 1.References
1 Doyle PJ, Grimes CL, Balk EM, Wieslander C, Richardson M, Mamik MM et al.. Surgical Removal of Midurethral Sling in Women Undergoing Surgery for Presumed Mesh-Related Complications: A Systematic Review. Obstetrics and gynecology 2022. link