Posterior vitrectomy, better known as “pars plana” vitrectomy (PPV), is a highly technical procedure that can save vision in many patients with acute or chronic vitreoretinal pathology. A good outcome can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Although the procedure carries a low overall risk, there is still a risk of severe complications. These can compromise vision or even cause blindness. However, expectant postop surveillance and management can alleviate the burden of these complications. Overall, vitrectomies can serve a crucial role in preventing or even reversing vision loss. Significant advances have been made in the whole process of vitreoretinal surgery, such as the fluid system, an increase in the number of cuts, cannulas, visualization, lighting system, microincisions, and instruments, among others, and make it possible to perform increasingly safe and predictable procedures, both intra- and postoperatively. Shorter surgical times, with less trauma, inflammation, pain, and induction of astigmatism, improve the patient’s recovery and patient’s comfort. The search for a progressive improvement in visualization and a reduction in the caliber of the instruments is likely to continue in the coming years, despite the challenges related to fluidics and engineering, costs, and the learning curve.