Recurrence Rate in Primary Pterygium Managed by Surgical Excision of Pterygium with Application of Mitomycin-C over Bare Sclera and Free Conjunctival Autografting

ABSTRACT

Background: To study recurrence rate in 50 cases of primary pterygium managed by surgical excision of pterygium along with application of mitomycin-C 0.02% over bare sclera for 2 minutes and ipsilateral free conjunctival autografting. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 50 patients of primary pterygium operated between 25.05.2016—10.08.2016. Pterygium excision was done, 0.02% mitomycin-C was applied over bare sclera for 2 minutes and ipsilateral free conjunctival autografting was done using sutures. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 13.27 months for recurrence.  Results: 55 eyes of 50 patients were operated by above technique by a single surgeon1. Three (3) patients were lost in follow up. In an average follow-up time of 13.27 months, recurrence was found in only 1 case (1.92%). No serious side effects were observed in this study. Conclusions: Primary    Pterygium     managed     by     excision  of  pterygium followed by intraoperative mitomycin-C application and conjunctival autografting is an easy, reproducible and cost effective method which helps in reducing recurrence with minimal complications.