The Clinical Effect of Micro-Multiporous Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Insertion for Recurrent Pterygium

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect of micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion for severe recurrent pterygium with symblepharon. METHODS: The present study included a total of 13 cases of recurrent pterygium associated with symblepharon, motility restriction and diplopia which had undergone micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion after pterygium excision, 0.02% mitomycin C application, human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and/or conjunctivo-limbal autograft (CLAU) between September 2010 and February 2011. One month after surgery, the inserted e-PTFE was removed. Recurrence of pterygium and symblepharon, motility restriction, diplopia and injection of ocular surface were evaluated for 11.92 +/- 1.32 months of mean follow-up period. RESULTS: Pterygial recurrence was not observed in 12 out of 13 eyes, and the 1 eye which recurred showed conjunctival recurrence. No postoperative symblepharon recurrence was observed in any of the 13 eyes. Diplopia and motility restriction disappeared in 11 out of 13 eyes, and were improved in the other 2 eyes. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) injection scores in the wound site decreased after surgery in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion combined with mitomycin C application, AMT and CLAU can be a useful surgical method to lower the postoperative recurrence rate and to improve the pterygium-related symptoms in severe recurrent pterygium.