Efficacy of mitomycin C associated with direct conjunctival closure and sliding conjunctival graft for pterygium surgery

Optimal size of pterygium excision for limbal conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue in primary pterygia

BACKGROUND

In our study we describe a method that optimizes size of excision and autografting for primary pterygia along with the use of intraoperative MMC and fibrin glue. Our objective is to propose a simple, optimizedpterygium surgical technique with excellent aesthetic outcomes and low rates of recurrence and otheradverse events.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 78 consecutive patients with stage III primary pterygia who underwent an optimal excision technique by three experienced surgeons. The technique consisted of removal of the pterygium head, excision of the pterygium body and Tenon's layer limited in proportion to the length of the head, application of intraoperative mitomycin C to the defect, harvest of superior bulbar limbal conjunctival graft, adherence of graft with fibrin glue. Outcomes included operative time, follow up period, pterygium recurrence, occurrences of incorrectly sized grafts, and other complications.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for more than a year. Of the 78 patients, there were 2 cases of pterygium recurrence (2.6%). There was one case of wound dehiscence secondary to small-sized donor conjunctivaand one case of over-sized donor conjunctiva, neither of which required surgical correction. There were no toxic complications associated with the use of mitomycin C.

CONCLUSION

Correlating the excision of the pterygium body and underlying Tenon's layer to the length of the pterygium head, along with the use intraoperative mitomycin C, limbal conjunctival autografting, and fibrin adhesionresulted in excellent outcomes with a low rate of recurrence for primary pterygia.

Tailored corneo-conjunctival autografting in primary and secondary pterygium surgery

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of a novel technique for pterygium removal: tailored corneo-conjunctival autograft, which offers the advantages of better postoperative cosmetic outcomes and recurrence prevention.

METHODS

This retrospective interventional noncomparative study included 420 eyes in 370 patients (ages 25-60 years) (127 women, 243 men). We divided the patients into 2 groups. The first group included 348 primary pterygium; the second group included 72 recurrent pterygium. All underwent the same type of corneo-conjunctival autograft surgery from April 2009 to March 2014. The average follow-up period was 12 months. The main outcome measures were to assess pain after surgery, conjunctival healing, cosmetic appearance, and pterygium recurrence at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

In both groups, the graft donor site healed promptly without excessive scarring. No patient complained of pain during first week after surgery, except for mild discomfort. No major complications were observed such as infection or graft necrosis. In the first group, 2 patients had graft retraction towards the nasal side and were successfully managed conservatively. One patient had Tenon granuloma, which was removed surgically. Recurrence during the follow-up period was seen in one patient (0.2%). In the second group, no recurrent pterygium cases were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed type of corneo-conjunctival autograft offers the advantage of better postoperative cosmetic outcomes. This new technique is effective for surgical management of both primary and recurrent pterygium and preventing its recurrences.