THE GONIN OPERATION FOR DETACHMENTS OF THE RETINA

Abstract

The object of this paper is to call attention to Professor Gonin's method of treatment for detachments of the retina. For years, Gonin, Hanssen and Vogt have contended that a solution of continuity of the retina plays an important rôle in its separation from the choroid. The therapeutic implication of this view led Professor Gonin to try to occlude the retinal tear by the use of the thermocautery. Having heard of his surprisingly good results, I decided to visit him at his Lausanne clinic. There he gave me the opportunity of familiarizing myself with the details of his technic. As of any other operation, the success of the Gonin method depends on three factors: (1) the selection of suitable cases, (2) the accuracy of the technic and (3) the cooperation of the patient. Which cases are suitable? Those in which there are early detachments of the retina that are