Diagnostic Value of Laboratory Parameters in Predicting Treatment Success in Tubo-ovarian Abscess Cases

Aim: Tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOA) are among the common emergency gynecological pathologies. Diagnosis remains controversial due to limitations in laboratory and imaging methods. In this study, we evaluated the demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and the correlation between the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at the time of diagnosis and the success of antibiotic therapy in patients treated in our hospital with a diagnosis of TOA. Methods: A total of 71 women followed up with a diagnosis of TOA in our hospital between May 2018-May 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The physical examination findings, laboratory parameters, and imaging methods used during the patients' initial presentation and treatment were assessed. Results: The mean age of the 71 women was 36.2±8.0 years. Of the women, 97.3% were of reproductive age, 28.2% were using an intrauterine device (IUD), and 52.1% were smokers. The mean CRP level at presentation was 173.9 mg/L, and it was ≥100 mg/L in 73.2% of patients. On ultrasonography (USG), the abscess/mass was located on the left in 52.1%, on the right in 42.3%, and in the pouch of Douglas in 5.6%. While 50.7% of the cases recovered with antibiotics alone, 49.3% underwent surgery. Abscess diameter (63±23 vs 46±24 mm; p