ABSTRACT
In the majority of instances the term tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a misnomer. Abscess indicates the collection of purulent exudate within a newly created tissue space. The majority of so-called tubo-ovarian ‘abscesses’ are nothing more than collections of pus within an anatomically distinct space created by two point closure. A superior term to ‘abscess’ is that of a tubo-ovarian complex (TOC). While the ovaries are frequently involved in the resultant inflammatory mass, the ovarian capsule is an effective barrier to parenchymal involvement. Consequently, a perioophoritis rather than intraparenchymal disease occurs. If a fresh corpus hemorrhagica is present to provide the critical portal of infection, a true ovarian abscess may develop.
