Sealing the gap between conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule in primary pterygium surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess the results of an alternative surgical approach in the excision of primary pterygium by analyzing the rates of recurrence and of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study based reviewing the clinical records of individuals subjected to surgery for pterygium, with conjunctival autograft transplantation, fibrin glue and intraoperative application of mitomycin C. In addition, sealing was performed by suturing the gap between the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule. A total of 36 eyes from 35 individuals were subjected to the assessed techniques. The study variables were complications of surgery and recurrence rates during a minimun follow-up period of 6 months. Results: No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period. One graft (2.8%) exhibited partial retraction, but pterygium did not recur. The intraocular pressure increased in one eye (2.8%) and was controlled by clinical methods. Conclusion: Eyes in which a barrier was established between the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule by sealing the gap between them showed an absence of recurrence in the sample studied. However, there is the need of a random prospective study with a control group for a more accurate conclusion on the efficacy of the technique.