A new approach in the treatment of retinal detachment complicated by massive periretinal proliferation is described. The surgical procedure combines pars plana vitrectomy with temporary use of silicone oil injection and panretinal photocoagulation. The anatomical success rate for a small series of 21 eyes was 57% after removal of the silicone oil. The 12 eyes presenting a successfully reapplied retina recovered useful visual acuity.