[Results after retinotomy and retinectomy in the treatment of complicated retinal detachment].

Of 241 cases operated with pars-plana vitrectomy and silicone oil filling for complicated retinal detachment we performed retinotomies for drainage of subretinal fluid or removal of subretinal strands in 48 cases (20%) and retinectomies for relief of traction in 80 cases (33%). We found no negative influence of these retinotomies and retinectomies on the anatomic or functional outcome in our major indication groups--PVR, PDR and perforating injury. With increasing size of the retinectomy the anatomic success rate fell from 100% in cases with a 90 degrees retinectomy to 76% with a retinectomy larger than 270 degrees. In 21 out of 80 cases traction relief was insufficient so that we had to enlarge the retinectomy. 17 of these 21 cases could then be attached permanently.