[Retroperitoneal phlegmon of the iliac fossa]

The results of treatment of 32 patients with retroperitoneal phlegmon in the region of the iliac fossa are analysed. The authors revealed many diagnostic errors in the prehospital stage (in 29 of 32 patients) owing to which hospitalization was delayed: 7 patients had purulent fistulas, leakage of pus was discovered during the operation in 20 patients. Due to a nonradical intervention (superficial opening of the phlegmon, sometimes under local anaesthesia) 9 patients were subjected to a second operation. The operation must be conducted under general anesthesia without fail and consist not only in opening of the phlegmon but also in careful inspection for possible leakage of pus and fistulas.