Efficacy of autologous fibrin glue versus sutures for conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery: A 1-year randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background and Aim: In recent times, the use of fibrin glue has reduced operating time and postoperative complications associated with sutures. Since it is a plasma-derived product, it has few drawbacks. The objective was to compare the efficacy, postoperative complications, and operating time of autologous fibrin glue and sutures for attaching conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 patients with primary pterygia were selected and divided in two groups: Group 1 (n = 22) underwent conjunctival autograft placement with autologous fibrin glue, whereas Group 2 (n = 22) patients underwent conjunctival autograft placement with sutures after pterygium excision. Patient demographics, history, and ocular examinations were noted; they were followed-up and examined after surgery until 3 months. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, lacrimation, discomfort, graft retraction, graft displacement, subgraft hemorrhage, and recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes included intra- and post-operative complications. SPSS 16 was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean operative time was significantly less in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (22.1 ± 5.43 vs. 25.2 ± 2.61 min;P= 0.004). The intensity of postoperative pain was significantly lower in the group 1 than in the group 2 on postoperative day 1 and after 1st week (P