Superior-inferior Sliding Conjunctival Flap for Pterygium with a Fibrin Tissue Adhesive (Tisseel(R))

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the clinical effect of a superior-inferior sliding conjunctival flap for pterygium using fibrin tissue adhesives (Tisseel(R); Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Glendale, CA) instead of sutures. METHODS: After the primary pterygial tissue was removed from the sclera, a superior-inferior sliding conjunctival flap was created. The fibrin tissue adhesive (Tisseel(R)) was composed of two solution types fibrinogen containing aprotinin solution and a CaCl solution containing thrombin. The two solutions with 27 G needle were applied on the bare sclera in sequence, and the conjunctival flap was attached into the bare sclera within 5 seconds. We performed this procedure with a fibrin tissue adhesive instead of sutures in three patients, and follow-up for recurrence of pterygium and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The superior-inferior sliding conjunctival flaps were attached into the bare sclera in all patients using fibrin tissue adhesives. We didn't find any significant postoperative complications such as ocular pain, epiphora, foreign body sensation, wound defect, or dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: A superior-inferior sliding conjunctival flap constructed with fibrin tissue adhesives should be a useful management tool for the inhibition of the recurrence of pterygial.