[Obliteration of the posterior holes and tears of the retina by endodiathermy after vitrectomy].

The authors report 19 cases of posterior retinal and tears treated by endodiathermy after vitrectomy. Nine cases were iatrogenic with a retinal break occurring during an intravitreal procedure. The remaining 10 cases were non-iatrogenic. A flat or reapplied retina is a prerequisite for achieving an adequate chorioretinal adhesion by endodiathermy. Short-term internal tamponade by intravitreal gas is recommended in cases with tears and no detachment, whereas, longer term tamponade with intravitreal silicone is preferable when the retina is detached. This method can be used when external retinopexy becomes impractical for lesions too far posterior, or when endophotocoagulation cannot be performed.