PERIURETHRAL PHLEGMON: POSTERIOR RUPTURE THROUGH COLLES‘ FASCIA

SUMMARY Although urologists are familiar with the classical pathways of spread of fluid beneath Colles' fascia, it is not commonly appreciated that the periurethral phlegmon, by virtue of its ability to induce vascular thrombosis, ischeemia and necrosis of restraining fascial barriers, may disseminate by routes not expected from anatomical studies alone. Two cases demonstrating posterior extension into the buttocks have been presented and the seriousness of the disease has been emphasised. Recognition of such a complication is of more than academic interest since recovery may be dependent upon drainage of these ancillary areas.