Absorbable implants in nondrainage procedures for repair of retinal detachment

Our experience in 1,700 consecutive cases of retinal surgery for the repair of nontraumatic, rhegmatogenous retinal detachments using a modified technique involving a nondrainage procedure with an absorbable implant was presented. We found that 228 of these 1,700 cases fell into our criteria for the use of this technique. We discussed the indications and contraindications for both the operative procedure and for the absorbable implant, and it is our belief that this technique is a valuable addition to the methods available to the retinal surgeon for the treatment of certain selected cases of retinal detachment.