Effect of Inferior Conjunctival Transposition Flap Surgery for Primary Pterygium

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the inferior conjunctival transposition flap for primary pterygium surgery. METHODS: This study reviewed 59 eyes in 59 patients with primary pterygium who were treated with pterygium excision and an inferior conjunctival transposition flap. The inferior conjunctival flap was obtained from lower bulbar conjunctiva and was secured with 8-0 vicryl. Patients were followed-up on the third day after surgery and then at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 55.6 (ranging from 34 to 74) years. The mean follow-up period was 24.9 (ranging from 12 to 46) months. During the follow-up period, the pterygium recurred in one (1.7%) of the 59 eyes. There were no severe complications except for mild congestion and hemorrhage of the conjunctival flap. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior conjunctival transposition flap technique may be considered as a safe and effective method that reduces complications and recurrences after primary pterygium excision.