Short-Term Clinical Outcomes of Pterygium Treatment with Conjunctival Flap Advancement

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study reviewed the surgical outcomes of conjunctival flap advancement with pterygial tissue excision in primary and recurrent pterygium. METHODS: In a retrospective survey of 169 eyes of 169 patients who underwent pterygial tissue excision and conjunctival flap advancement surgery, after a three-month follow-up minimum, history of pterygium surgery, surgical outcomes, recurrence rates, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 74 male and 95 female patients. The mean age was 56 +/- 11.93 years (range 31-81 years). One hundred and forty eyes were considered as primary pterygium without history of surgery and 29 eyes were considered as recurrent pterygium. In the cases of primary pterygium, 139 eyes were treated after the surgery without recurrence (success rate 99.2%) and one recurred case was localized to the sclera. Among the 29 eyes with recurrent pterygium, 26 eyes were treated without recurrence (success rate 89.7%) and 3 recurred cases were localized to the sclera. There were no significant complications related to the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival flap advancement surgery with pterygial tissue excision was an effective method in primary and recurrent pterygium treatment and showed low recurrence and minimal complications.