Sutureless and glue-free technique of conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium surgery: A series of 52 eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To study the efficacy and complications of sutureless and glue free conjunctival autograft for the management of primary pterygium over a period of one year. Methods: This was a retrospective case series and patients who were operated between November 2012 and June 2014 were analysed. 52 eyes of 50 patients were included in the study. Pterygium excision with limbal conjunctival autografting without using glue or sutures was performed in all the patients followed by bandaging for 12 hours. The patients were followed up post operatively on 1st day, 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. They were examined for haemorrhage, wound gape, graft shrinkage, chemosis, graft dehiscence, recurrence or any other complication. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.7 +/- 13.6 years (range 19–77 years).2 eyes had double-headedpterygium, 2 had cystic pterygium and the remaining were primary nasal pterygium. Total graft dehiscence occurred in 1 eye (1.92%),partial graft retraction in 2 eyes (3.84%), graft edema in 3 eyes (5.76%) and recurrence was seen in 1 eye(1.92%) on one side in a patient who had double-headedpterygium. No other complication was noted. Conclusion:Sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autografting following pterygium excision is a safe, effective and economical option for the management of primary pterygium. Keywords:glue-free technique; conjunctival autograft;pterygium surgery