Outcome of different techniques of pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting in pediatric population: Our experience in central India.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze surgical outcome of pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting in pediatric population ≤16 years.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
A case sheet review of 145 patients (167 eyes) aged ≤16 years consecutively presented with pterygium from April 2008 to August 2014 in the single center was done. Twenty-six eyes of 25 children who underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft were analyzed. Different techniques used to secure conjunctival autograft in a position were multiple interrupted 8-0 vicryl sutures, single 8-0 vicryl suture in the center of graft and sutureless glue free. Outcome measures were a failure of surgery and recurrence.


RESULTS
Of the total 167 eyes, 26 eyes of 25 children, mean age 13.07 ± 3.08 years (range 7-16 years) were managed surgically with pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. The rest of the patients were managed conservatively. In 18 eyes, the graft was secured with multiple sutures, in 6 eyes with a single suture, whereas in 2 eyes, sutureless glue-free graft opposition was done. Mean follow-up was 8.03 months. No case of graft retraction, graft dehiscence or graft displacement was found. Recurrence occurred in 6 eyes and managed surgically.


CONCLUSIONS
Occurrence of pterygium is not uncommon in the pediatric population. A single suture or sutureless glue-free technique may be good alternative for securing conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision in children.
Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Amit R
AR
Yadav
Khushbu Ramesh
KR
Bhattad
Pradhnya Alok
PA
Sen
Elesh Budhendra
EB
Jain
Alok
A
Sen
Budhendra K
BK
Jain
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011625:Pterygium / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome