Comparative Study to Evaluate the Outcome of Sutures Versus Sutureless in Attachment of Conjunctival Autograft for Pterygium Excision

Abstract

Background: Suturing of conjunctival graft is a traditional technique for pterygium excision surgery. Owing to its many disadvantages & complications many newer techniques like autologous fibrin glue have been introduced & accepted as an alternative method of graft adhesion. Methodology: The present study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, MMIMSR, Mullana (Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University) in the time period extending between December 2017 and January 2019. 100 eyes of patients of either sex with primary pterygium were selected and divided into 2 groups of 50 each in Group 1- patient underwent conjunctival auto graft with 10-0 ethilon sutures while in Group 2 suture less conjunctival auto graft was done with patient’s own blood fibrin. Results: Parameters such as mean operating time, presenting complaints like pain, watering, burning and foreign body sensation, complications & recurrence were compared between the two groups on postoperative Day 1, Day 7, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 month, 3 month & 6th month. Statistical significant difference (p<0.01) was found between the suture and sutureless surgery for pterygium in relation to post-operative discomfort grading. There was a significant difference (t = 22.149, p = 0.001) in the duration of surgery for GROUP I surgery. Conclusion: Conjunctival auto graft with autologous serum is a safe and fast method. It is equally effective as conventional sutured autograft technique. Post operative discomfort is significantly less in this method. It also prevents suture related complications.