Comparison of Conjunctival Autograft Technique Using Autologous Blood as Glue Versus Suture Technique in Pterygium Surgery

Abstract

Aim: To compare the post-operative inflammation, surgical time and complications in conjunctival autografting with oozed autologous blood versus sutures in primary pterygium surgery. Study Design: Prospective interventional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, CIMS, Bilaspur (C.G), India. (Jan 2017-May 2018). Methodology: 80 eyes of 80 patients (25 to 75 years) presented with primary pterygium up to grade 3 were included in this prospective interventional study presented in eye OPD, CIMS, Bilaspur (CG). All the procedures and post-operative evaluation was done by the same surgeon. All the patients were divided into two groups on alternate basis. 40 patients received conjunctival autografting with oozed autologous blood (CAGb) and 40 patients received sutures (CAGs). These two groups were then compared for post-operative inflammation, surgical time and complications (day 1, day 5, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 month). Result: Total 80 patients were evaluated after surgery. Progressive pterygium was observed in more than 50% cases in both groups. Post-operative inflammation and discomfort was significantly lower in CAGb group compared to CAGs group (P<.001). Mean surgical time was also significantly less in CAGb group (11.6±2 min) compared to CAGs group (21.6±3min) (P<.001). In CAGb group 5% patients had graft displacement while none in CAGs group. Granuloma formation was higher in CAGs group (12.5%) compared to CAGb group (7.5%). Subgraft haemorrhage was 10% in CAGb and 17.5% in CAGs group. Dellen formation was seen in 3 patients in CAGb and 4 patients in CAGs. Recurrence rate was higher in suture group (5/40 in CAGs vs 1/40 in CAGb). Conclusion: Our study concludes that placement of conjunctival autograft with oozed autologous blood as adhesive after pterygium excision is an effective, less inflammatory and less time consuming approach, with significantly lower rates of post-operative complications. This can be used as a better alternative to suture technique.