Long-term comparison of fibrin tissue glue and vicryl suture in conjunctival autografting for pterygium surgery

Conjunctival and Limbal Conjunctival Autograft vs. Amniotic Membrane Graft in Primary Pterygium Surgery: A 30-Year Comprehensive Review

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to compare the "real-life" effectiveness of amniotic membrane graft (AMG) and conjunctival (CAT) or limbal conjunctival (LCA) autograft in the management of primary pterygium.

METHODS

Human-based studies on primary pterygium surgery that were published between 1993 and 2022 with at least 3 months of follow-up were identified, and only those that were retrospective were included. The global recurrence rate of pterygium was assessed for each surgical technique separately. Specific recurrence rates taking into consideration the fixation technique (glue versus sutures) were also measured.

RESULTS

35 real-life retrospective subgroups comprising a total of 3747 eyes were included in the final review. The mean global recurrence rates for CAT, LCA and AMG were 7.61%, 5.50% and 9.0%, respectively. Recurrences were less common for patients who received fibrin glue (5.92%, 2.56% and 3.60%) than for those who received sutures (8.99%, 6.03% and 23.0%) for the three groups, respectively. Surgical techniques combining CAT or LCA with AMG yielded an even lower global recurrence rate (1.83%).

CONCLUSION

AMG seems like a reasonable option that could be considered in primary pterygium surgery, especially when glued to the underlying sclera. Combining AMG with other treatment modalities such as CAT or LCA seems to offer an interesting alternative in terms of recurrence.

Long-Term Results of P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM

PURPOSE

To identify the recurrence rate, complication rate, cosmetic results, and patient satisfaction after P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM more than 10 years after surgery.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study with 312 patients (351 surgeries). All patients underwent pterygium removal using P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM in 1 eye or both eyes by the author. The main parameters studied were recurrence rate, complication rate, esthetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-nine patients (77% of surviving cohort group) were able to be followed up with 16 patients deceased. The basic biographical data of the group followed up and those lost to follow-up were not different. The follow-up period was 153 ± 20 months. Twenty-five percent of the surgeries were for recurrent pterygia. The recurrence rate was zero, and there were no serious complications. Ninety-four percent of patients were graded as having normal or excellent cosmetic appearance by the surgeon, and 95% of the patients graded the appearance of their eye as greater than 8 of 10. Ninety-four percent of the patients gave more than 8 of 10 as their satisfaction with the service and surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM provides long-term and stable results for primary and recurrent pterygium patients with a zero recurrence rate and excellent cosmetic appearance of the eye and no serious complications. P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM should be considered as the standard by which other pterygium surgeries should be compared. Cosmetic outcomes after pterygium surgeries are now a more sensitive measure of success than recurrence rate alone.

Clinical results for combination of fibrin glue and nasal margin suture fixation for attaching conjunctival autografts after pterygium excision in Chinese pterygium patients

This study was designed to compare postoperative complications and postoperative discomfort when using glue combined with nasal margin suture fixation versus fibrin glue or sutures alone to attach conjunctival autografts among Chinese patients during pterygium excisions.We analyzed the medical records of 150 eyes of 150 patients with primary pterygium, in which the autografts were secured by 3 different methods after pterygium excision: 50 eyes were secured with fibrin glue, 50 eyes were secured with glue + nasal sutures, and 50 eyes were secured with sutures. The more than 6 months of follow-up observation data included postoperative complications (graft loss/displacement, dehiscence, proliferative granuloma, inflammation, and hemorrhage), recurrence, and postoperative discomfort. A logistic regression procedure was conducted to evaluate the relationship between graft complications and the pterygium grade.Graft loss/displacement occurred in 3 patients (6%) in the glue group. Graft dehiscence occurred in 8 patients (16%) in the glue group (P < .001), with 2 developing into proliferative granuloma, compared with none in the glue + nasal sutures group and the sutures group at the 3-month postoperative follow-up. Pterygium recurrence occurred in 1 patient (2.2%) in the glue group and 2 patients (4.4%) in the sutures group, compared with none in the glue + nasal sutures group at the 6 to 9 month postoperative follow-up (P = .315). There were fewer postoperative symptoms (pain, foreign body sensation, and tearing) at days 1 and 7 in the fibrin glue and glue + nasal sutures groups than in the sutures group (P < .01). The pterygium grade was a significant risk factor for graft complications (Odd ratio, OR: 5.98, Confidence interval, CI: 1.193-29.992, P = .03) in the glue group.The modified conjunctival autograft fixation with glue + sutures on the nasal margin resulted in more stable grafts and less graft-associated complications. There was a low level of postoperative patient discomfort in the glue + sutures group. A higher grade of pterygium led to an increased rate of complications in the glue group.

Lamellar keratoplasty using femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticule for limbal dermoid: case report and literature review

Small incision refractive lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a femtosecond laser technique to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Herein, we report a technique where intrastromal lenticule obtained from the SMILE procedure served as a graft for lamellar keratoplasty in the management of a limbal dermoid. An 18-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a corneal-limbal mass in the right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a vascularized circular mass of approximately 6 mm × 5 mm, which was attached at 7 o’clock in the inferotemporal region of the corneal limbus; this suggested limbal dermoid. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed superficial involvement of the cornea. The patient was treated with excision and lamellar keratoplasty by using femtosecond intrastromal lenticule. The lenticule was sutured over the cornea with 10-0 interrupted nylon sutures. On postoperative follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20; there was no corneal neovascularization and no sign of rejection. This case of limbal dermoid was managed by simple surgical excision and lamellar keratoplasty with a SMILE-extracted lenticule. This method may serve as an alternative surgical approach for management of limbal dermoid.

Efficacy of fibrin glue versus sutures for attaching conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of evidence

Previous meta-analyses have been conducted to compare the efficacy of fibrin glue (FG) versus sutures in pterygium surgery; however, additional clinical trials have since been published. Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to further explore the association between FG application in pterygium surgery, and the recurrence rate, complication rate, and surgical duration. An electronic literature search for eligible studies published before July 29, 2016 was conducted across multiple databases. Odds ratios (ORs), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Publication bias of the included articles was evaluated by funnel plots. Differences in recurrence rate and complication rate between the FG and suture groups were evaluated in terms of OR with 95% CI, and SMD with 95% CI were used to estimate the difference in surgical duration. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to determine whether the currently available evidence was sufficient and conclusive. Twenty-four studies were included in this study. The pooled ORs for recurrence rate and complication rate were 0.35 and 1.121, respectively. The pooled SMD for surgical duration was −4.142. The TSA results indicated that evidence of the effect was sufficient in the recurrence group and surgical duration group. Although there was no difference in complication rate between FG and sutures, the apparent advantages of FG over sutures are shorter surgical duration and greater reduction in the recurrence rate of pterygium.

Comparison of self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue and commercial fibrin glue kit in pterygium surgery: 1-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To assess long-term efficacy and safety of self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) applied in pterygium surgery.

METHODS

Prospective, comparative, interventional case series. Forty eyes of 40 patients with nasal primary pterygium, 24 male and 16 female, were enrolled. The patients were assigned to two groups and each contained 12 male and eight female based on the pterygium area encroaching onto the cornea. In one group, the conjunctival autograft was attached to the sclera with SMC stored for 2 months, and in the other group, commercial fibrin glue kit (CK) was applied after the pterygium was removed. All the patients were followed up postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 then at months 1, 3, 6, 12. The main outcome measures included operating time, postoperative discomfort, recurrence rate and complications.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in surgery time (p = 0.713) and postoperative discomfort (day 1, 3, 7; p = 0.747, p = 0.766, p = 0.983, respectively) between the two groups. By the end of 1-year follow-up, the recurrence rate was 0% in the SMC group and 5% in the CK group (p = 1.000). There were no infections and severe visual acuity (VA) threatening complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

Self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) is as effective as standard CK for autograft fixation in pterygium surgery and it also has good safety after long-term follow-up. For its convenience and low cost, this new methods should be popularized, especially in underdeveloped area.

The use of fibrin sealant during non-emergency surgery: a systematic review of evidence of benefits and harms

BACKGROUND

Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage (bleeding). However, there is uncertainty around the benefits and harms of fibrin sealant use.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence on the benefits and harms of fibrin sealants in non-emergency surgery in adults.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases [MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Health Technology Assessment database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials)] were searched from inception to May 2015. The websites of regulatory bodies (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration) were also searched to identify evidence of harms.

REVIEW METHODS

This review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using any type of fibrin sealant compared with standard care in non-emergency surgery in adults. The primary outcome was risk of developing seroma and haematoma. Only RCTs were used to inform clinical effectiveness and both RCTs and observational studies were used for the assessment of harms related to the use of fibrin sealant. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant studies. Data extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and validated by a second. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance for adverse events for observational studies. A fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 186 RCTs and eight observational studies across 14 surgical specialties and five reports from the regulatory bodies. Most RCTs were judged to be at an unclear risk of bias. Adverse events were inappropriately reported in observational studies. Meta-analysis across non-emergency surgical specialties did not show a statistically significant difference in the risk of seroma for fibrin sealants versus standard care in 32 RCTs analysed [n = 3472, odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.04; p = 0.13; I² = 12.7%], but a statistically significant benefit was found on haematoma development in 24 RCTs (n = 2403, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86; p = 0.01; I² = 0%). Adverse events related to fibrin sealant use were reported in 10 RCTs and eight observational studies across surgical specialties, and 22 RCTs explicitly stated that there were no adverse events. One RCT reported a single death but no other study reported mortality or any serious adverse events. Five regulatory body reports noted death from air emboli associated with fibrin sprays.

LIMITATIONS

It was not possible to provide a detailed evaluation of individual RCTs in their specific contexts because of the limited resources that were available for this research. In addition, the number of RCTs that were identified made it impractical to conduct independent data extraction by two reviewers in the time available.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of fibrin sealants does not appear to vary according to surgical procedures with regard to reducing the risk of seroma or haematoma. Surgeons should note the potential risk of gas embolism if spray application of fibrin sealants is used and not to exceed the recommended pressure and spraying distance. Future research should be carried out in surgery specialties for which only limited data were found, including neurological, gynaecological, oral and maxillofacial, urology, colorectal and orthopaedics surgery (for any outcome); breast surgery and upper gastrointestinal (development of haematoma); and cardiothoracic heart or lung surgery (reoperation rates). In addition, studies need to use adequate sample sizes, to blind participants and outcome assessors, and to follow reporting guidelines.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015020710.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Sutureless, Glue-less Conjunctival Autograft versus Conjunctival Autograft with Sutures for Primary, Advanced Pterygia: An Interventional Pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Conjunctival Autograft (CAG) in pterygium surgery can be attached by sutures or fibrin glue or autologous in situ blood coagulum. Recurrence rate and other parameters related to pterygium surgery between CAG with sutures and autologous in situ blood coagulum have not been compared uniformly in advanced pterygia alone.

AIM

To compare and evaluate the outcome of sutureless, glue-less CAG with autologous in situ blood coagulum versus CAG with sutures for primary, advanced pterygium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty eyes of 30 patients with primary, nasal, advanced, Grade 3 pterygia (as per Tan et al's., classification) were randomized into Group 1 (n=15) (sutureless, glue-less CAG with autologous in situ blood coagulum) and Group 2 (n=15) (conjunctival autograft with 8-0 vicryl sutures) as a pilot study. The outcome parameters evaluated were graft stability and symptoms of pain, foreign body sensation and watering at day 1, day 7, day 14, one month, three months and six months and recurrence at six months.

RESULTS

The mean age in the study was 44.77±13.74 years. Overall, Group 1 had better scores in symptom parameters than Group 2 (p<0.05). Graft stability was better in Group 2 (p<0.05). In Group 1, 3 (20%) patients had one side displacement and 3 (20%) patients had full displacement of graft. At six months, 4 (26.6%) patients in Group 1 had recurrence whereas in Group 2, 5 patients (33.3%) had recurrence (p=0.446).

CONCLUSION

In primary, advanced pterygia, sutureless, glue-less pterygium surgery with autologous in situ blood coagulum was better in symptom scores but graft stability was better in the suture group. Sutureless, glue-less pterygium surgery with autologous in situ blood coagulum was unpredictable in graft stability. There was no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups.

Self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue applied in pterygium surgery: a novel practical technique

PURPOSE

To introduce a novel practical technique of self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) applied in pterygium surgery and to assess its safety and efficacy.

METHODS

Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients with nasal primary pterygium were enrolled. The patients were equally assigned to 6 groups. Self-made fibrin glue was subpackaged and, respectively, cryopreserved for 3, 7, 15 days and 1, 2 and 3 months. At each time point, the asepsis of SMC was confirmed by bacterial culture and colony counting. In each group, corresponding SMC was applied to fix the autograft after the pterygium was removed (e.g., SMC 3d for group 1 and SMC 3m for group 6). All the patients were followed up postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 and then at months 1, 3, 6. The main outcome measures included fixation success rate within two tries, postoperative discomfort, recurrence rate and complications.

RESULTS

No colony growth was observed in all the fibrinogen and thrombin tubes sent. Five patients needed a second try with respective SMC during the autograft fixation, and there were no significant differences in SMC use times among the groups (P = 0.885). There were no significant differences in postoperative discomfort (day 1, 3, 7; P = 0.651, P = 0.269, P = 0.180, respectively) among the groups. By the end of 6-m follow-up, no infections and severe complications were observed in any group. The total recurrence rate was 3/48 (6%), and there were no significant differences in recurrences among the groups (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

SMC is safe and effective for autograft fixation in pterygium surgery. This new practical technique will benefit the patients and surgeons in developing and underdeveloped country.

Non-Recurrence Complications of Fibrin Glue Use in Pterygium Surgery: Prevention and Management

Purpose :

To present complications of using fibrin glue in conjunctival-limbal autografting in pterygium surgeries other than recurrences and discuss their prevention and management strategies.

Materials and Methodology:

The charts of all patients who underwent fibrin glue assisted pterygium excision surgery with conjunctival-limbal autograft transplantation from 2010 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients who developed complications except recurrence postoperatively were included in this study.

Results :

Sixteen (17.39%) of the 92 patients were detected with a complication. Graft dehiscence was diagnosed in 7 (7.6%) patients with 5 of them treated conservatively and 2 patients requiring suturing. Five (5.43%) patients were diagnosed with cyst formation between the graft and conjunctiva or in the graft-removal area; these cysts were primarily excised and no additional problems occurred. Corneal dellen developed in 3 (3.26%) patients and 2 of them regressed after cessation of topical steroids and application of lubricant therapy while one was treated with amniotic membrane transplantation. Residual fibrin glue particles had stiffened on the ocular surface, which resulted in intensive pain and irritation in one (1.08%) patient on the same day of the surgery. The patient’s complaints were reduced by removing these particles from the ocular surface under topical anesthesia.

Conclusion :

Complications in fibrin glue assisted pterygium surgery are relatively different from other techniques. To avoid potential complications of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, peroperatively ophthalmologists should ensure the conjunctival autograft and conjunctiva are properly adhered, fibrin glue remnants are completely removed from the ocular surface, and no Tenon’s capsule remains between the graft and the conjunctiva.

Ophthalmic use of blood-derived products

There is a wide spectrum of blood-derived products that have been used in many different medical and surgical specialties with success. Blood-derived products for clinical use can be extracted from autologous or allogeneic specimens of blood, but recombinant products are also commonly used. A number of blood derivatives have been used for a wide range of ocular conditions, from the ocular surface to the retina. With stringent preparation guidelines, the potential risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases is minimized. We review blood-derived products and how they are improving the management of ocular disease.

Common bile duct injury by fibrin glue: Report of a rare complication

Fibrin glue is widely used in clinical practice and plays an important role in reducing postoperative complications. We report a case of a 65-year-old man, whose common bile duct was injured by fibrin glue, with a history of failed laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open operation for uncontrolled laparoscopic bleeding. In view of the persistent liver dysfunction, xanthochromia and skin itching, the patient was admitted to us for further management. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed multiple stones in the common bile duct, and liver function tests confirmed the presence of obstructive jaundice and liver damage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was unsuccessfully performed to remove choledocholithiasis, but a small amount of tissue was removed and pathologically confirmed as calcified biliary mucosa. This was followed by open surgery for suspicious cholangiocarcinoma. There was no evidence of cholangiocarcinoma, but the common bile duct wall had a defect of 8 mm × 10 mm at Calot’s triangle. A hard, grid-like foreign body was removed, which proved to be solid fibrin glue. Subsequently, the residual choledocholithiasis was removed by a choledochoscopic procedure, and the common bile duct deletion was repaired by liver round ligament with T-tube drainage. Six months later, endoscopy was performed through the T-tube fistula and showed a well-repaired bile duct wall. Eight months later, MRCP confirmed no bile duct stenosis. A review of reported cases showed that fibrin glue is widely used in surgery, but it can also cause organ damage. Its mechanism may be related to discharge reactions.

Molecular Basis of Pterygium Development

Pterygium pathogenesis is mainly related to UV light exposure. However, the exact mechanisms by which it is formed have not been elucidated. Clinical advances in surgical treatment use conjunctival autografts and amniotic membranes in combination with adjuvant therapies, including mitomycin C, β-radiation, and 5-fluoroacil, to reduce recurrence. Several studies aim to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying pterygium growth and proliferation. They demonstrate the role of different factors, such as viruses, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, apoptotic and oncogenic proteins, loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, inflammatory mediators, extracellular matrix modulators, lymphangiogenesis, cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and alterations in cholesterol metabolism in pterygium development. Understanding the molecular basis of pterygium provides new potential therapeutic targets for its prevention and elimination. This review focuses on providing a broad overview of what is currently known regarding molecular mechanisms of pterygium pathogenesis.

Comparison of efficacy of three surgical methods of conjunctival autograft fixation in the treatment of pterygium

Our aim primarily was to compare the recurrence rate with three techniques of conjunctival fixation (suture versus fibrin glue versus autologous in situ blood coagulum) over bare sclera following pterygium excision. Ninety eyes of 90 patients with primary pterygium were randomly divided into three groups: group I (30 eyes) underwent autografting and fixation with 8-0 vicryl sutures, group II (30 eyes) with fibrin glue and group III (30 eyes) with autologous in situ blood coagulum. The patients were reviewed on 2nd day, weeks 1 and 4, and at every 3 months till 12 months after surgery. Rate of recurrence was similar (p = 0.585) across the three groups. Time taken for surgery for Group 1 was more as compared to group 2 (p < 0.001) and group 3 (p < 0.001). Also, group 2 cases took significantly more time as compared to group 3 (p < 0.001). Postoperative patient discomfort (foreign body sensation, epiphora, pain and irritation) was more in suture-assisted autografting as compared to the other two groups. However, at some points along the time line, patient discomfort was significantly more in group III as compared to group II. Complications like graft retraction, graft displacement and cyst formation were seen in a few patients but were not statistically significant across the three groups. All three techniques were found to be useful methods and were associated with similar rate of recurrence.