Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic malignancy. It is estimated that 22,430 new cases will be diagnosed and 15,280 deaths will be attributed to ovarian cancer in the United States in 2007. Despite initial responses to surgery and chemotherapy in up to 80% of cases, more than 75% of affected women ultimately die from complications of disease progression.

Gynecologic emergencies are relatively common and include ectopic pregnancies, adnexal torsion, tubo-ovarian abscess, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, gynecologic hemorrhage, and vulvovaginal trauma. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise review of these emergencies, focusing on the evaluation and treatment options for the patient. In many cases, other causes of an acute abdomen are in the differential diagnosis. Understanding the tenets of diagnosis helps the surgeon narrow the etiology and guide appropriate treatment.

II-2.

No abstract