[Endosurgery of subretinal strands in proliferative vitreoretinopathy]

Subretinal strands were removed in 9 patients with retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (Stages C 2 to D 1). A small retinotomy was made in the area of the strand. The subretinal proliferative tissue was then drawn to the surface with forceps. In this way it was possible to remove all of the strands completely. One strand snapped while being drawn, thus necessitating a further incision. Two additional small retinectomies had to be performed because of firm attachments to the retina. In all cases retinal reattachment was achieved by silicone oil injection. No postoperative recurrences of the proliferations were observed. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 9 months.