title: Pigment epithelium endoscopic laser surgery for treatment of choroidal neovascularization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a new concept and technique for subretinal surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were included in this study. Nine patients were operated on in Mexico City by one surgeon, 15 patients in Frankfurt by another surgeon. The retina at the posterior pole was detached and subretinal thermal photocoagulation of the CNVs was performed using a 20/19-gauge GRIN rod laser endoscope (Insight Instruments Inc., Sanford, Fla., USA). This procedure was termed PEELS (pigment epithelium endoscopic laser surgery).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 7 patients (Mexico), moderate improvement or stabilization of vision over 6 months or longer was achieved. In 10 out of 12 patients (Frankfurt), stabilization of vision over a follow-up period of 6-18 months was achieved, at least. Serious complications were not observed. Four of the Frankfurt series patients improved their vision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PEELS can stabilize or improve vision.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Frank H J
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Quiroz-Mercado
authors.forename: Lars-Olof
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Hattenbach
authors.forename: Jose Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Guerrero-Naranjo
authors.forename: Itamr
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yesurun
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Augustin
authors.forename: K Peter
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Luloh
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ohrloff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity