Tubo-ovarian abscess in the postmenopausal woman

Tubo-ovarian abscesses are considered a problem only during the childbearing years because of their rarity in the postmenopausal age group. Three case reports are described, in which pelvic abscesses were diagnosed in elderly women and necessitated surgical intervention. The early recognition and surgical treatment of pelvic abscesses is mandatory in the postmenopausal woman, who often is a poor-risk patient. Nothing is to be gained by delay of definitive treatment, and the risk of serious deterioration is obvious. Therefore, the gynecologist and surgeon should be alert to this uncommon diagnosis in the elderly woman and be prepared for early surgical intervention.