ABSTRACT
Background: Pterygium is a common ocular disease and surgical excision with conjunctival autografting is the treatment of choice. However, recurrence is a common problem and use of sutures and glue to secure the autograft is associated with a number of adverse effects. We present an autograft technique for pterygium surgery using autologous fibrin derived from a thin layer of blood. Aim: To evaluate a sutureless, glue free conjunctival autograft technique for pterygium surgery. Setting and Design: Prospective interventional case series conducted at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. Materials and Methods: 90 eyes of 84 patients were included. After pterygium excision, the recipient bed was encouraged to achieve natural hemostasis. A thin layer of blood was allowed to cover the recipient bed and provide a source of autologous fibrin. A thin Tenon’s free conjunctival autograft taken at the superotemporal limbus was placed over the recipient scleral bed without sutures or fibrin glue. Patients were followed up for any complications. Results: Follow-up period ranged from 6 to 15 months (mean 12 months). The mean surgical timing was 13 min. Graft displacement was seen in 8 cases on the 1st post-operative day, which was repositioned. Graft retraction was seen in 2 cases at 1-month post-operative follow-up. A conjunctival granuloma was seen in one case, which was excised. No recurrences were seen during the follow-up period. Cosmesis was excellent. Conclusion: This simple technique for pterygium surgery may prevent potential adverse reactions encountered with the use of foreign materials such as sutures or fibrin glue. The technique is cost effective and requires less surgical time.