[Current treatment of simple retinal detachment. Advantages and inconveniences of permanent and temporary scleral buckling compared with gas expansion of the retina].

Limited cryopexy followed by attachment to the sclera of a small, cylindrical silicone sponge at the site of the tear leads in most cases to a prompt reduction of any non-complicated rhegmatogenous detachment. As a rule, no drainage of the subretinal fluid is necessary. If an inflatable silicone balloon is used in lieu of a permanent tampon, the short-term result may be the same; renewed tension of the vitreous bands which caused the tear may lead, however, to a redetachment in the long term. Intravitreal injection of an insoluble gas (mostly perfluoro-propane or hexafluorure ) may also be used to close up the tear, while cryopexy or photocoagulation are to be applied to seal its borders. After resorption of the gas the vitreous bands will again be under tension, and the risk of a recurrence appear. The fact that the vitreous chamber must be entered entails, on the other hand, some risks of its own.