Pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic abscesses

Pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic abscesses have been reported as a major complication following a wide variety of obstetrical, gynaecological and surgical procedures. The aim of this review article is to emphasize the need for a more aggressive approach to detect and to treat what can be a debilitating condition that if inadequately treated may result in mortality. The large numbers of options available are discussed under the headings of: conservative management, interventional radiological management and surgical treatment. Lastly, preventive strategies are discussed, as pelvic inflammatory disease may result in tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and tubo-ovarian/pelvic abscesses.