Study Of The Surgical Outcome Of Sutureless Glueless Conjunctival Autograft In Pterygium Excision Surgery

ABSTRACT

Background: Pterygium is a hyperplastic elastoid wing shaped degenerative condition of the subconjunctival tissue which proliferates as vascularized granulation tissue infiltrating the cornea destroying the superficial layers of stroma and Bowman’s membrane causing corneal distortion and significant amount of astigmatism. Conjunctival autograft is a relatively new and effective surgical technique with good aesthetic results in the management of primary pterygium. Objective: To evaluate the surgical outcome in terms of recurrence and other complications of sutureless glueless conjunctival autograft in pterygium excision. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: Prospective interventional non randomized hospital based case series was carried out in 50 eyes with primary pterygium. Pterygium excision with limbal conjunctival autograft without glue or suture was performed in all patients. The patients were followed post operatively on day 1, day 7, 1 month and 6 months. Recurrence and other complications were noted at each visit. Results: Mean age of the study population was 36.96_x0001_11.39 years, 64% were males with maximum patients (72%) presenting in the age group of 20-40 years. The overall complication rate was 10%. Graft retraction was seen in 4%, Conjunctival Cyst in 2% and 1 case showed Graft Rejection. Recurrence rate was noted to be 2% at the end of 6 months. Conclusion: Sutureless glueless conjunctival autograft following pterygium excision is a simple, safe and economical procedure for the treatment of pterygium having excellent outcome.