Aggressive management of pelvic abscess

Seventy-one patients with an acute pelvic abscess have been subjected to immediate definitive surgery after 24 to 72 hours of medical preparation with antibiotics, fluid, and blood. The results are quite acceptable. Injury to the bowel represents a hazard, but this problem was not of great significance in this group of patients. With more experience and more scrupulous attention to this problem, its incidence should be further reduced. The immediate relief and total cure of the patient's problems justify the slightly increased operative risk, as compared with a protracted illness imposed by a conservative regimen.