Abstract
Purpose: :
The purpose of this research is to analyze the outcomes of pterygium surgery in ophthalmology residents in Costa Rica.
Methods: :
This is a retrospective non interventional, case series study, from January 1st, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The sample was 182 patients with primary pterygium that were treated using excision plus application of Mitomycin C technique during one minute. 45 patients were treated by first year residents (R1), 64 by second year residents (R2) and 73 by third year residents (R3). The follow up time was of at least two years in all cases.
Results: :
The overall recurrence was of 3%. Recurrence was greater in the R3 group (6%), and in the R2 group (1,5%) than in the R1 group (0%). Granuloma formation in the site of excision was the most common complication. No sight threatening complications were seen.
Conclusions: :
Good outcomes in recurrence rate and complications were achieved by using the excision plus Mitomycin C application in primary pterygium. Greater rates of recurrence were seen in third year residents probably because more severe cases were done by residents with greater experience.
Keywords: pterygium • conjunctiva