[Vitrectomy general considerations (author's transl)]

On the basis of approximately 700 pars plana vitrectomies performed by the author during the past nine years, some general aspects of this new surgical technique are discussed. Since we remove the vitreous in some cases today, whereas ten years ago we took the utmost care to preserve it, some speculations on the function of the vitreous are discussed. The importance of the clinical examination for the indication for vitrectomy is pointed out. Finally, some general results are given and the further development of vitrectomy is outlined.