A comparative study of graft stability, complication profiles and patient comfort among sutureless glue-free and sutured conjunctivo limbal autograft in pterygium surgery of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

Pterygium is a triangular encroachment of bulbar conjunctiva on to the cornea known for high recurrence rate. Various adjunctive measures were used to reduce the recurrence rate. Nowadays thoughutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft has been encouraged for treating primary pterygium yet sutured conjunctival autograft is also extensively performed. To assess and compare graft stability, complication profiles and patient comfort in sutureless glue-free and sutured conjunctivo limbal autograft in pterygium surgery and to assess postoperative improvement in parameters associated with visual defects due to pterygium.Sutured conjunctival autograft were done in 25 patients (group A), and sutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft was done in 25 patients (group B). Postoperative discomfort was assessed for 90 days during which graft related complications and recurrence if any were noted. Pre and postoperative parameters associated with visual defects due to pterygium were also compared. Total number of patients who developed postoperative complications was 22(88%) in Group A and 15(60%) patients in Group B. Number of patients with postoperative discomfort was significantly less in group B after 1 week and almost nil on 30 day. In Group A one patient graft unstability and in Group B two patients showed graft unstability.Sutureless glue free auto conjunctivo limbal stem cell transplantation showed significantly better patients comfort and decreases suture related complications.