Herein we review 26 cases of perinephric abscess, analyzed according to incidence, etiology, laboratory findings, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, radiographic findings, operative procedures, mortality and associated diseases. Of the abscess cultures 67 per cent were gram-negative organisms, most commonly Proteus, and 76 per cent of the abscesses were directly attributable to renal causes, mainly nephrolithiasis. Diabetes mellitus occurred in only 3 of the 26 cases.