A comparison between fibrin sealant and sutures for attaching conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision

Abstract

BackgroundUse of conjunctival autograft following excision of primary pterygium has reduced the recurrence rate. This study evaluates the efficiency of fibrin glue as compared to sutures in attaching the conjunctival autograft with reference to surgical time, post operative comfort and recurrence during follow up. Methods60 patients with primary pterygium were included and divided into two groups. In the first group autograft was secured in place with help of 10-0 polyamide monofilament suture while in second group fibrin glue was used. Both the groups were compared in terms of operative time, post op comfort and recurrence. ResultsThe average surgical time taken was 50.93 ± 4.96 min with suture group and 34.43 ± 4.94 min with fibrin glue group. Pain and foreign body sensation was markedly less with fibrin glue group. At the end of final follow up at 6 months, 3 cases (10%) from suture group and 1 case (3.33%) from fibrin group had recurrence. ConclusionFibrin glue is effective and safe for attaching conjunctival autograft during pterygium surgery. Although more number of recurrences were observed in suture group as compared to fibrin glue group the difference was not statistically significant (p 0.612).