The use of gelatin has been evaluated in a series of 59 retinal surgical procedures over a five-year period. When used as a "trapdoor" alone, we conclude that gelatin works as well as any of the currently employed materials for simple cases. The technique gave a 90% primary reattachment rate, which was increased to 100% reattachment by subsequent surgery or photocoagulation. It also gave a desirable absorbable feature in very anterior or very posterior lesions. Used as a meridional implant and combined with one or two layers of solid silicone, the gelatin has proved to be extremely useful in closing holes that were highly elevated or significantly "fish mouthing." We wish to emphasize the value of this use as a meridional implant combined with silicone in complex cases.