Effect of transverse conjunctival advancement flap surgery for primary pterygium

Abstract

ObjectiveTo introduce a new surgical technique, transverse conjunctival advancement flap, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the technique in primary pterygium surgery. DesignRetrospective, noncomparative, interventional case-series analysis. ParticipantsSixty-three eyes of 63 patients. MethodsThe patients with primary pterygium were treated with transverse conjunctival advancement flap technique. After excision of the pterygium head and the perilimbal part of the pterygium body (within 2 mm from the limbus), the bare sclera was covered with the transverse conjunctival advancement flap using the conjunctiva of the remaining posterior part of the pterygium body. The patients were followed up for more than 6 months. ResultsThe mean age of patients was 64.9 ± 8.7 years (range 43–85 years), and the mean follow-up period was 9.8 ± 3.9 months (range 6–18 months). In all cases, surgery did not exceed 20 minutes. During the follow-up period, recurrence of the pterygium occurred in 1 (1.5%) of the 63 cases, with recurrence only in the conjunctiva. There was no occurrence of serious complications. ConclusionsThe transverse conjunctival advancement flap technique may be considered a safe and effective method, with a low rate of pterygium recurrence, after primary pterygium excision.