AIM:To assess the effectiveness of modern vitrectomy on complex retinal detachment. METHODS:Totally 45 cases (45 eyes) of complex retinal detachment underwent modern vitrectomy combined with 15% C₃F₈-gas or silicone-oil tamponade. RESULTS:Fifteen eyes underwent vitrectomy with C₃F₈-gas tamponade,13(87%) eyes achieved retinal reattachment primarily.30 eyes underwent vitrectomy with silicon-oil tamponade,27(90%) eyes achieved retinal reattachment primarily.The comparison between two groups has no significant difference.The visual acuity after operation was counting fingers in 2 eyes; 0.02-0.05 in 3 eyes，0.06-0.1 in 10 eyes；0.12-0.25 in 19 eyes，greater than or equal to 0.3 in 11 eyes. The main complication in operation was iatrogenic slit pore. The main complications after operation were secondary glaucoma and complicated cataract. CONCLUSION:Modern vitrectomy combined with C_{3F8-gas or silicone-oil tamponade is a useful procedure for complex retinal detachment.The visual acuity of most patients after operation could improve.}