title: Evaluation of the effectiveness of post-operative beta-irradiation in the management of pterygium.
abstract: A retrospective review of cases of pterygium excision using the bare sclera method followed by application of 2500-3500 rads of Sr 90 beta-radiation carried out between 1994 and the year 2000 at Ojulowo Eye clinic Ibadan and St Mary's Catholic Specialist Eye Hospital Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. Follow up period was between six months and six years. A total of 124 eyes from 95 patients were operated. 58 (61.1%) were males and 37 (38.9%) were females. The youngest patient was 10 years old while the oldest was 89 years mean 46.1 +/- 2 STD of 13.5. Most pterygia were unilateral and nasal in location. Improvement in visual acuity of between 2-6 lines on snellen chart occurred in 6 (4.8%) of operated eyes. Recurrence necessitating repeat surgery and additional radiation occurred in 8 eyes (6.9%). The complications of surgery and beta radiation consisted of conjunctiva inflammation 10 (8.6%), cornea opacities 4 (3.2%), gritty sensation 3 (2.6), cataract 1 (0.8%). No case of sclera necroses was observed. Post-operative beta-radiation is safe and effective in preventing recurrence of pterygium.
authors.affiliation: Ojulowo eye Hospital, Alawiye House Mokola, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: B G K
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Ajayi
authors.forename: C O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Bekibele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001610:Beta Particles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011625:Pterygium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D015021:Yttrium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes; D015021:Yttrium Radioisotopes