Although non penetrating filtering surgery (NPFS) is associated with a lower rate of related complications than trabeculectomies, we report on 9 cases with a postoperative localized superior Descemet ’s membrane detachment (DMD). These patients were being routinely followed after a NPFS performed at our hospital or elsewhere from 1994 to 2000. Patients who underwent a viscocanalostomy usually presented with DMD shortly after the surgery, whereas those who had a deep sclerectomy with a collagen implant developed the complication weeks to months postoperatively. Four patients had a surgical intervention although all patients had a successful outcome in terms of visual acuity and intraocular pressure control. Inadvertent injection of sodium hyaluronate (healon) just anterior to Descemet ’s membrane and increased intra bleb pressure are probably the most important causative factors.DMD is a rare complication but surgeons performing NPFS should be aware of it.