Minimally invasive pterygium surgery versus air-assisted dissection technique for excision of primary pterygium

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess and compare minimally invasive pterygium surgery with air-assisted dissection technique for excision of primary pterygium.Patients and methodsThis prospective randomized comparative study was carried out on 20 eyes of 16 patients with primary pterygium. The cases were randomly divided into two equal groups: group I included 10 eyes in which pterygia were excised with minimally invasive pterygium surgery, and group II included 10 eyes in which pterygia were excised with air-assisted dissection technique. Postoperative examination and follow-up for 3 months were carried out.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 46.1±3.8 years. Successful dissection was recorded in 80% of cases in group I and in 70% of cases in group II. Recurrence occurred in 10% of cases in each group, with a follow-up duration of 3 months.ConclusionThe minimally invasive pterygium surgery is superior to air-assisted dissection of pterygium as it keeps the tenon capsule intact.