Proliferative vitreoretinal retinopathy (PVR) is a very severe complication of vitreoretinal surgery. PVR is characterised by a complex cellular reaction. This corresponds to a vitreoretinal wound healing reaction and leads to tractional retinal detachment fixed by membranes. A rational goal of treatment is the removal of active cells and membranes, particularly the whole vitreous body; this can only be achieved surgically.