Everything you need to know about tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs): breaking the stigma, safer treatment, fertility preservation, and better outcomes. This episode of BackTable OBGYN features Dr. Katherine Smith, an assistant professor and MIGS Fellowship Program director at UT Southwestern. With hosts Dr. Amy Park and Dr. Mark Hoffman, Dr. Smith provides an extensive overview of contemporary TOA management, emphasizing the significance of early intervention and the evolving understanding of TOAs beyond traditional STI etiologies.

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation delves into the management of TOAs, both non-ruptured and ruptured, and the underexplored connection to the female reproductive tract microbiome. They also touch on the integration of AI in clinical practice, particularly in streamlining administrative tasks. The episode underscores the need for updated guidelines and more research into the microbiological aspects of TOAs to improve patient outcomes.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Understanding TOAs: Early Interventions and Challenges
04:43 - Clinical Management of TOAs
08:06 - Surgical Approaches and Considerations
22:25 - Microbiome and Infection Insights
32:10 - Discussing Patient Reactions and Education
32:47 - Teaching Practices and Medical Education
34:18 - Clinical Observations and Data
36:55 - Surgical Management of Ruptured TOAs
40:50 - Challenges in Treating Infected Endometriomas
50:13 - Exploring the Role of AI in Medical Practice
54:23 - Concluding Remarks

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RESOURCES

ACOG Recommends Concurrent Sexual Partner Treatment for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis for the First Time
https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/10/acog-recommends-concurrent-sexual-partner-treatment-recurrent-bacterial-vaginosis-first-time

Strange Bedfellows, Ina Park MD, MS
https://www.inapark.net/the-book