BACKGROUND The role of vitrectomy for the treatment of uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments has not been defined clearly. The authors report their experience with vitrectomy alone for the management of such cases. METHODS Pars plana vitrectomy with internal subretinal fluid drainage and long-term tamponade was performed on nine patients with uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments after primary scleral buckling surgery. The duration of follow-up was a minimum of 6 months (mean, 39 months). RESULTS Anatomic success was achieved after the initial reoperation in seven eyes (78%). The overall success rate was 89%. The visual acuity was 20/30 or better in three patients, 20/ 40 to 20/80 in three patients, and 20/200 in two patients. Complications included progressive nuclear sclerosis and macular pucker. CONCLUSIONS Vitrectomy is effective and may have advantages over other methods for the management of uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments.