During the last four years we treated 82 consecutive patients (83 eyes) with retinal detachments complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We used pars plana vitrectomy combined with a broad scleral buckle, cryotherapy to the retinal breaks, and a temporary intraocular gas bubble. The retina was successfully reattached in 55 eyes (66%). Our success rate improved from five of 12 eyes (42%) in 1980 to 25 of 31 eyes (81%) in 1983. We believe that a better understanding of the disease process and the use of a combination of surgical techniques were the main factors accounting for our improved results during the last years of this series.