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Although well recognized for tubo-ovarian abscesses, we report, in our best knowledge, the first case of a vaginal drain of a pelvic abscess due to colonic diverticulitis. A 78-year-old patient presented with abdominal and pelvic pain, fever (39.3 °C) and an elevated white blood cell count (18500/mL). After abdominopelvic computed tomography the patient was presumed to have a pelvic abscess, which developed as a complication of the sigmoid diverticulitis. Due to the numerous intervening structures that create obstacles to safe percutaneous access, we planned a trans-vaginal drain. A rapid recovery was obtained within 2 d from the procedure and, at present, the follow-up was uneventful after 18 mo. We believe that transvaginal drain of pelvic abscess could be a useful alternative, when percutaneous approach is not feasible.

Saphenectomy is one of the most validated criteria to treat varicose veins of the lower legs. Although many complications were well described, little is known about compartment syndrome due to muscle ischemia caused by constrictive bandages applied after stripping of varicose veins. We presented a case of successful conservative treatment of compartment syndrome after saphenectomy. Rehabilitation was found effective in improving fatigue, stiffness and tenderness showing the effectiveness of the combined conservative-rehabilitative treatment. However conservative treatment could not be considered the treatment of choice in daily practice. A severity score assessment of compartment syndrome should be useful to assess to which patients is allowed to not perform fasciotomy.