Use of ophthalmic gelfilm in retinal surgery

This report describes our experience with absorbable gelfilm in retinal detachment and intraocular foreign body surgical cases. The material was used as an intrascleral implant in 100 trapdoor retinal procedures. In 10 other cases it was used as a meridional implant under a silicone buckle, and in 2 cases it was used as a vitreous tamponade over the site where an intraocular foreign body was removed. The gelatin was found to be an excellent adjunct in retinal surgery. The material was easy to work with and there were no complications of erosion, extrusion, or infection. The indications for use of this material, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, are discussed.