ABSTRACT
This study aimed at comparing the results of the Conjunctival Autograft Technique (CAG) and Minimally Invasive Pterygium Surgery (MIPS) in primary pterygium excisions. This was a prospective randomized clinical study performed during a one-year period (2009-2010). One hundred and twenty two patients with primary pterygium were randomized in 2 groups: group A (CAG) including 36 patients and group B (MIPS) including 86 patients. The two groups were compared considering the recurrence rate and probable complications of the procedures. Recurrences were detected in 4 patients (11.1%) in group A and 5 patients (5.8%) in group B with no significant difference in this regard (p = 0.447). No major complications occurred during the follow-up period. This study showed that acceptable recurrence- free rates could be achieved (albeit nonsignificant) using MIPS technique in patients with primary pterygium and can be considered as a good alternative in the surgical management of pterygia because of its simplicity and low surgical time.