The first volume of A Practical Guide to Minimal Retinal
Detachment Surgery, by Ingrid Kreissig, is a survey of Dr Kreissig's
and Dr Lincoff's experience with scleral buckling surgery, and serves as a
historical review of the evolution of retinal detachment repair throughout
the latter part of the 20th century. It is a compilation of many of their
important contributions to the literature (finding the retinal break, cryopexy,
nondrainage, segmental sponges) and a must for fellows and residents interested
in retinal detachment repair. It may also be a quick "refresher" for the seasoned
vitreoretinal surgeon. The book makes compelling arguments for reconsidering
the segmental sponge, a lost art in many teaching programs. Dr Kreissig's
theme for retinal surgery is "less is better," since the retina does want
to heal itself and if we do not do too much to it, it probably will.