PRIMARY PTERYGIUM EXCISION WITH AUTOGRAFT – WHY WASTE TISSUE

Abstract

AIM : To describe a modied technique of using conjunctival tissue graft from the pterygium itself in patients with primary pterygium and to measure the outcome. METHODS : 40 patients with primary pterygium were included in this prospective observational study from December 2018 to December 2019. Conjunctival layer was separated from the underlying pterygium and cut to get a rectangular graft. Pterygium tissue then excised completely. Cornea scraping done. Graft was placed over the bare sclera and was taken up by autologous blood. Follow up was done on POD 1, 1 week, 1st, 3rd & 6th month. RESULTS: 12 out of 40 patients (30%) had graft oedema on POD 1, 8 out of 40 patients (20%) had graft retraction. Granuloma was seen in 2 out of 40 patients (5%). None had recurrence. Cosmetic acceptance was good in all cases. CONCLUSION: This method is useful to prevent recurrence, in circumstances to cover the large size defect and in glaucoma patients to preserve the superior bulbar conjunctiva for future glaucoma surgeries if needed.