Tubo-ovarian abscess: a study of 17 patients.

Patients with tubo-ovarian abscess usually present with pain and fever. Pelvic examination discloses adnexal tenderness or a mass. For unruptured tubo-ovarian abscess, antibiotics that provide anaerobic coverage and are capable of penetrating the abscess should be given. If there is no improvement in 48 to 72 hours, conservative surgery should be performed, preserving hormonal and reproductive function, if possible.