Management of common gynecologic problems encountered during abdominal exploration

Although general surgeons receive little training in the management of gynecologic conditions, they should be able to make intraoperative decisions about unexpected gynecologic abnormalities encountered during abdominal exploration. This report examines the six most common gynecologic problems found during abdominal exploration (salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, ectopic gestation, endometriosis, uterine mass, and ovarian mass) and reviews their proper management with particular emphasis on conserving reproductive function.