Surgical Preferences in the Management of Primary Pterygium among Anterior Segment Specialists

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reflect anterior segment specialists’ current practice pattern regarding the management of primary pterygium. Methods: A 24-item survey regarding indications for surgery, different surgical techniques, use of adjuvant pharmacological therapy, type of intraoperative and postoperative pharmacological therapy, and the preferred treatment of early recurrences was sent to members of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society (SOS) and practicing cornea experts including consultants, specialists, and fellows in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 61 cornea specialists completed the questionnaire (response rate 49%). More than 95% considered the proximity of the pterygium to the visual axis an indication for excision. The most frequent technique for pterygium excision was extensive head and conjunctival resection, including the base (69%) and intermediate resection of the Tenon's capsule (53%). For conjunctival replacement, conjunctival autograft was preferred by 79%, amniotic membrane (54%), and simple conjunctival closure (46%). Interrupted vicryl sutures, fibrin glue, and combined sutures and tissue adhesive were the preferred graft fixation conveyed by 85%, 46%, and 34% of our experts, respectively. An estimated recurrence rate of 1-5% was stated by 29% of respondents and 46% reported recurrence within 6 to 12 months. Half of the respondents specified using mitomycin C intraoperatively to prevent early pterygium recurrences. When recurrence occurred, corticosteroid was the agent of choice. Conclusion: This study set out to reflect the practice pattern of anterior segment specialists regarding the management of primary pterygium, and it may serve as an insight for further studies to define the optimal management of pterygium.