Results of Conjunctival Auto-Transplant in Pterygium Surgery

Abstract

Objectives: Pterygium is a wedge of conjunctival tissue ploughing across the limbus into the superficial cornea. Various surgical techniques are used to treat this condition. Conjunctival auto-transplant over the bare area is one of the techniques used. This trial was conducted to evaluate the results of conjunctival autotransplant in the treatment of pterygium.

Material & Methods: This study was conducted at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif Swat and Kuwait Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from 1st July 2008 to 31th December 2009. Complete history and clinical examination was recorded on a pre-designed profroma. The diagnosis of pterygium was a clinical one. All the pterygia were examined with slit lamp to look for vascularity, advancement towards the cornea and congestion. The surgical technique comprised of surgical excision of pterygium, and conjunctival auto-transplant on the bare sclera. Nylon 10/0 was used for suturing the conjunctiva. Follow up period was 6 months.

Results: In this study 70 patients were operated; 51 males and 19 females with a male to female ratio of 2.9:1. Recurrences occurred in 6(9.52%) cases. Other post-operative complications were granuloma formation in 1(1.58%), conjunctival cyst formation 2(3.7%), and persistent irritation due to chronic inflammation in 2(3.17%) case. Minor post-operative temporary complications were graft edema, delayed wound healing and foreign body sensation.

Conclusion: Conjunctival auto-transplant is an effective and safe procedure for excision of pterygium.