[Initial experience with surgery for retinal detachment using a balloonprobe]

The authors present an account of their initial experience with balloon probe according to Lincoff-Kreissig. The surgical procedure was that described by the authors without modifications. The balloon probe was used in five patients, twice because of fatigue of material an episcleral implant had to be used. The retina was put in position in all patients. Temporary buckling by means of a balloon probe is a simple and safe therapeutic method in suitable types of detachment of the retina--fissures to the extent of 1 hour of the circumference of the retina, without traction of the vitreous body. After training at a department with sufficient experience with this method, it can be used even in departments where the number of operations of detachment of the retina is not high.