Pterygium excision and conjunctival mini-autograft: preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
Pterygium excision is often followed by recurrence that may be more severe than the initial lesion. This study evaluated the efficacy of conjunctival mini-autograft following surgical excision of pterygium.


METHODS
Eight patients underwent pterygium excision with a conjunctival mini-autograft. All patients had decreased visual acuity secondary to involvement of the central cornea by the pterygium. Following the excision, dissection of a conjunctival mini-autograft was performed. The mini-autograft was then transposed to the area of excision and secured in place with interrupted Vicryl and a few nylon sutures. Follow-up periods ranged from 5 to 9 years.


RESULTS
All eyes healed with no post-operative complications and no recurrences of the pterygium in any patient up to a maximum follow-up period of 9 years 10 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Conjunctival mini-autograft with excision of the pterygium is an effective procedure for the surgical management of pterygium.
John
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Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. cornea999@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011625:Pterygium / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous