ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to determine the role of intraoperative application of 5-Fluorouracil in the prevention of ptergyium recurrence. A prospective clinical trial. The study was conducted at Eye Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from February 2000 to August 2001. A total number of one hundred and fifty patients were selected for the study and they were divided into two groups on a random basis. Control Group included 75 patients who underwent conventional pterygium excision. 5-Fluorouracil Group included 75 patients who received a single application of 5-Fluorouracil [25 milligram per milliliter] for five minutes immediately after pterygium excision. Follow up was conducted in case of both the groups for at least six months During follow up period, recurrence of pterygia was seen in thirty one patients [41.33%] in the control group while recurrence was seen in 25 patients [33.33%] in the 5-FU group. This shows a slight decrease in recurrence rate [P<0.05] but it significantly delayed the onset of recurrence [P<0.05]. It can be concluded that a single intraoperative application of 25 milligram per milliliter of 5-Fluorouracil can be considered as an adjunct treatment in pterygium surgery to prevent its recurrence