[Retinal detachment recurrences. 2. Mechanisms and treatment (author's transl)]

Retinal detachment recurrences are almost always caused by vitreous tractions or vitreo-retinal retractions. Classical methods of prevention: as atraumatic surgery as possible, no superfluous subretinal fluid drainage, prevention of intraocular bleeding during drainage were employed in the series reported but with a 10.5 per cent recurrence rate. Prevention is based on two methods: encircling laser photocoagulation in the postoperative period when possible and if it is not dangerous for the vitreous, and preventive vitrectomy which has the following indications: bullous detachment, important pre or peroperative intraocular bleeding, or presence of clear signs of impending vitreo-retinal retraction. Using the classical therapeutic methods of indentation, the treatment a 50 per cent success rate for of recurrence was obtained. Treatment can be improved by vitrectomy in every case of recurrence, with combined internal retinal contention, preferably by silicone injection, recurrences due to massive vitreo-retinal retraction.