Abscesses developing within the retroperitoneal spaces are complicated serious surgical infections marked by an insidious, occult process lead to considerable mortality and morbidity. In a retrospective review of 39 retroperitoneal abscesses in our hospital. Attention is directed to clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. On average, 19.2 days was required to establish the diagnosis and overall mortality is 7.7%. Two patients suffered from complications of discharged sinus and recurrent abscess respectively. Computed tomography (CT) is thought to be the best diagnostic modality of retroperitoneal abscesses. Only 2 patients (5.3%) shows bilateral lesions. Detailed anatomic reviews detailing the pathogenesis of bilateral retroperitoneal abscess are also discussed.