Outcome of surgery for recurrent pterygium using intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation

Abstract

Purpose Preserved human amniotic membrane has been used in reconstruction of the ocular surface. In this paper, we report our method of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for recurrent pterygium. Methods Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with recurrent pterygium are reported. All subjects were operated on with an extensive excision of the subconjunctival fibrous tissues followed by application of mitomycin C(0.04%, 3∼5 min) during the operation. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed with implantation of conjunctival autograft in cases with a large excision. Results The mean follow-up time was 17.3±9.3 (mean±standard deviation) months. Twelve eyes showed severe symblepharon and 14 patients had suffered from double vision before the operation. There were only three mild recurrences (12%), 11 patients recovered from double vision, and no major complications such as sclermalacia performans were noted during the follow-up period. Conclusion AMT with application of mitomycin C is effective in preventing pterygium recurrence and for improved ocular movement. The cosmetic outcome of our methods has also been satisfactory.