ABSTRACT
In the majority of instances, the term “tubo-ovarian abscess” (TOA) is a misnomer. An 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 twopoint closure. A superior term to “abscess” is “tuboovarian complex” (TOC). Although 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.
