Why and how to proceed to an ultrasound-guided transvaginal drainage of tubo-ovarian abscesses (with demonstrative video)?

The treatment of the acute phase of complicated tubo-ovarian abscesses relies on antibiotics associated with surgical management in case of visible abscess, poor clinical tolerance and resistance to medical treatment. Transvaginal, ultrasound-guided, puncture drainage can be considered as an alternative to initial laparoscopy and has multiple advantages over the latter: same success rate, less invasive nature, simple and fast to perform, easy to access, better tolerated by the patient, decreased hospitalization time and less cost. This video article describes and standardizes the essential steps to perform a transvaginal adnexal abscess drainage with a step-by-step explanation of the technique in logical sequences, making the procedure ergonomic and easy to learn. Thus, as part of minimally invasive approach, this technique is henceforth suggested as an effective alternative and signifies a first-line procedure that can promote a therapeutic de-escalation strategy.