[Giant abdominal abscesses--a hitherto unrecognized disease].

Two cases of giant intraabdominal supra-colic abscess are described. Since the clinical symptoms are often unimpressive and nonspecific, there was a delay in diagnosis. The causes were unrecognized perforated peptic ulcers in both patients. Pathophysiology, incidence and possible localizations of intraabdominal abscesses are discussed. A review of intraabdominal anatomy is important for an understanding of the peritoneal spaces in which abscesses can occur.