Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Following Perforated Appendicitis in an Adolescent

Abstract Background: Appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Delay in diagnosis correlates strongly with the rate of perforation. Common complications of perforated appendicitis include wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, and prolonged ileus. Other rare complications include pleural effusion, urinary tract infection, urinary retention, bleeding, wound dehiscence, pneumonia, and intestinal obstruction. The proximity of the fallopian tubes to the appendix and the peristaltic nature of the tube make it reasonable to believe that there would be a risk of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) following perforation of the appendix. Case: A 17-year-old, non–sexually active female presented to the emergency department with acute appendicitis. She underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, which revealed perforation of the appendix. Her postoperative course was complicated by persistent abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. She was later found to have bilateral TOA. She was treate...