use of topical 5-flurouracil for primary pterygium surgery: comparison with amniotic membrane graft and conjunctival autograft

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative use of topical 5- fluorouracil in primary pterygium surgery and to compare the surgical outcome with amniotic membrane graft and conjunctival autograft. 86 eyes of 69 patients with primary pterygia were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was treated with plerygium excision and conjunctival autogrft. Group 2 was treated with pterygium excision and amniotic membrane graft. Group 3 was treated with pterygium excision and intraoperative topical 5-flurouracil. The surgical outcome was compared in the treatment groups. Patients were followed for at least 6 months. The recurrence rate after conjunctival autograft, amniotic membrane graft, and topical 5-fluorouracil way 2.5%, 13.5%, and 13.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate among the three groups [P = 0.649] There was no major complications among the three groups. Conjunctival autograft, amniotic membrane graft, and topical 5- fluorouracil are equally effective in reducing the recurrence rate after primary pterygium excision