[Subphrenic abscess. Importance of its pathology and ever present diagnostic and therapeutic problems]

Even today subphrenic abscesses constitute a major problem for the surgeons who are at times their involuntary cause. These abscesses are characterised by a high mortality rate and difficulty of treatment. A careful review of the literature and a fortunately modest experience form the basis for an assessment of what has been achieved and what problems still remain with particular reference to new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.