Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Draining an Abscess

A pelvic Reference abscess Opens New Window may be drained by needle aspiration. A needle is inserted through the abdominal or vaginal wall into the abscess. The fluid filling the abscess is drawn out (aspirated) with a syringe connected to the needle. A pelvic Reference ultrasound Opens New Window or a Reference computed tomography (CT) scan Opens New Window is used to guide the needle into the abscess. A tube (catheter) may be left in for a few days to allow the abscess to drain completely.

Aspiration of an abscess may be done with a Reference local or general anesthesia Opens New Window. You may go home the same day, unless more treatment is needed or you are very ill.

Aspiration may be considered when the abscess:

• Has failed to shrink or continues to enlarge after 48 to 72 hours of antibiotic therapy.
• Is in the area between the vagina and rectum (cul-de-sac).

If your health professional recommends aspiration, ask about abscess recurrence rates and other risks of the procedure.

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