The use of a radiofrequency unit for harvesting conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a simplified technique for harvesting a conjunctival autograft using a radiofrequency unit.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.


METHODS
The use of radiofrequency to harvest a thin, bloodless conjunctival autograft is described. A retrospective review of 171 primary pterygium procedures on 151 patients seen between April 1998 and December 2001 was done. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon (J.G.C.). All cases had a minimum follow-up of 12 months.


RESULTS
Surgery was completed successfully with no complications in all 171 cases. Recurrence was noted in only 8 cases (4.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of radiofrequency to harvest a conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery is effective and safe.
Camara
Jorge G
JG
Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. jordegcam@msn.com
dela Cruz-Rosas
Beverly
B
Nguyen
Ly T
LT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011625:Pterygium / Q000601:surgery*; D011846:Radio Waves; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous