Comparative study of the results of 0.04% Mitomycin-C and simple conjunctival auto-graft for primary pterygium

Abstract

Background and purpose of the studyPterygium recurrence is one of the most common complications following simple pterygium excision. Mitomycin-C and conjunctival auto-graft are the two procedures known to decrease the recurrence rate. Comparing the results of the two procedures is the purpose of this study. Subject studiedTo report recurrence rates as primary outcome and complications as secondary outcome. Settings and designRetrospective interventional study. Patients and methodsRetrospective study of primary pterygium surgery records of 101 eyes was categorized into two groups. The first group consisted of intraoperative use of Mitomycin-C 0.04% for 3 min and the second group composed of simple conjunctival auto-graft. Patients were followed up for 18 months, recurrences and complications were noted. The recurrence was defined as the fibrovascular proliferation which just encroached the limbus. ResultsSPSS 11.00 versions was used for statistical analysis of the data. One hundred and one case records were studied that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria with 18 months follow up was considered for analysis. Sixty-six eyes received Mitomycin-C and 35 eyes had conjunctival auto-grafting. There were four recurrences (6.1%) in the first group and one recurrence (1.9%) in the second group. One patient developed scleral thinning in Mitomycin-C group and one case of graft retraction occurred in the conjunctival auto-graft group. ConclusionPterygium excision followed by simple conjunctival auto-grafting is effective, acceptable and safer procedure than intraoperative topical application of Mitomycin-C for the latter was associated with increased recurrences and unpredictable ocular surface side effects.