Abstract
Purpose: :
To present our surgical results from a modified technique of pterygium repair with the use of rotating conjunctival autograph from the excised pterygium body.
Methods: :
A retrospective review of surgical records was performed to identify patients operated with the modified technique in our department over a 2 year period (2006-2008).Excision of the pterygium under local anesthesia was followed by covering of the defect with a 90 degree rotating conjunctival autograph from the excised pterygium body after removal of the pterygium head and secured with 8.0 vicryl sutures. A bandage contact lens was placed and steroid with antibiotic eye drops prescribed for 3 weeks. Outcome measures were recurrence rate, conjunctival erythema and possible complications over the minimum follow up period of 12 months.
Results: :
Seventeen patients with primary pterygium were managed with our modified technique. Healed conjunctival surface with no signs of recurrence was established in 14 (82,3%) patients. Minimal graft invasion over the limbus and persistent conjunctival erythema was observed in 2 (11,7%) cases.. Wound dehiscence at the fourth postoperative day and secondary intention healing lead to early recurrence in 1 (5,8%)case. Mild persistent erythema of the grafted conjunctiva for mean period of 11 weeks was recorded. No other complications were noted.
Conclusions: :
Our modified surgical management of pterygium offers the advantages of a conjunctival autograph avoiding the additional surgical site for harvesting the graph. It appears to have a high success rate with minimal complications. Persistent postoperative erythema may undermine the success of the procedure.
Keywords: pterygium • conjunctiva