[Phakofragmentation and aspiration through the pars plana ciliaris (author's transl)]

Not until Machemer et al. started doing what they called posterior lensectomies with the vitreous-infusion-suction-cutter did removal of the lens through the pars plana become standard procedure. Effected originally as a first step in eyes undergoing vitrectomy, when an opaque lens interfered with fundus visibility, it has started to be used as an independant procedure in the case of soft-mostly traumatic-cataracts, and in that of ectopic or subluxated lenses. In 40 out of 43 operated cases the results have been as good as could be expected from the condition of the macula. Three cases, or 6.9%, developed serious complications: one a retinal detachment which could not be cured by surgery, one a chronic corneal edema, and one a secondary glaucoma which reacted poorly to medical therapy.