Postoperative abscesses following colpocleisis are rare. One advantage of Le Fort partial colpocleisis is the minimal risk of injuring adjacent organs, major vessels, or nerves, as the planes of dissection are superficial. Additionally, the procedure is quick to perform, has a short recovery time, and can be conducted under local anesthesia if necessary.
In this case report, we discuss a 67-year-old woman who developed an abscess after undergoing Le Fort partial colpocleisis. The patient, who had reached menopause, was referred to the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. She presented with a vaginal mass and urinary incontinence, which had been ongoing for 10 years. Two abscesses, each approximately 5 cm in size, were drained. Antibiotics were administered for 7 days post-surgery, and the drain was removed on the 4th day due to the patient’s improved general condition and lack of discharge.
Research suggests that menopausal women are susceptible to subclinical infection as the vaginal tissue is often dry, thickened, and ulcerated for months. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the possibility of pelvic abscesses in patients who experience fever, pain, pelvic pressure, and diarrhea after pelvic surgeries. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce mortality and disability in these patients.
Keywords: Abscess, Le Fort colpocleisis, Obstructive surgery, Woman
