Management of pterygia 20 years later.
Over a 20-year period, I excised 205 pterygia. A single, low dose of beta irradiation applied to the site of excision before surgical closure of the conjunctiva significantly reduced the rate of recurrence. Follow-up for as long as 20 years in this series revealed no complications. I discuss possible reasons for the few recurrences.
D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011625:Pterygium / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012008:Recurrence