Abstract :
Background: Pterygium is a triangular encroachment of bulbar conjunctiva on to the cornea known for
high recurrence rate. Various adjunctive measures were used to reduce the recurrence rate. Nowadays
though sutureless and glue-free conjunctival autograft has been encouraged for treating primary pterygium
yet sutured conjunctival autograft is also extensively performed.
Objectives: To assess and compare graft stability, complication profiles and patient comfort in sutureless
glue-free and sutured conjunctivo limbal autograft in pterygium surgery and to assess postoperative
improvement in parameters associated with visual defects due to pterygium.
Materials and Methods: Sutured conjunctival autograft were done in 25 patients (group A), and sutureless
and glue-free conjunctival autograft was done in 25 patients (group B). Postoperative discomfort was
assessed for 90 days during which graft related complications and recurrence if any were noted. Pre and
postoperative parameters associated with visual defects due to pterygium were also compared.
Results: Total number of patients who developed postoperative complications was 22(88%) in Group A
and 15(60%) patients in Group B. Number of patients with postoperative discomfort was significantly less
in group B after 1 week and almost nil on 30th day. In Group A one patient graft unstability and in Group
B two patients showed graft unstability.
Conclusion: Sutureless glue free auto conjunctivo limbal stem cell transplantation showed significantly
better patients comfort and decreases suture related complications.
Keyword :
Graft stability, Pterygium, Sutured conjunctival autograft, Sutureless glue-free autograft.