Outcomes of Fibrin Glue for Graft Fixation in Primary Pterygium Surgery with Conjunctival Autograft

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the recurrence rate and postoperative complications of fibrin glue fixation of conjunctival autografts following primary nasal pterygium excision. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study of all eyes with primary nasal pterygium that underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft transplantation using fibrin glue for graft fixation at Mettapracharak (Wat Rai Khing) Hospital between July 2017 and December 2018. The author analyzed pterygium recurrence rates and postoperative complications such as graft loss, graft displacement or dehiscence, pyogenic granuloma, or any other complications. Results: Fifty-seven eyes of 57 patients were evaluated, of which 43 (75.4%) were female. The mean age was 57.09±1.38 years (range of 34 to 80 years). No serious complications occurred. One eye (1.8%) sustained recurrence in the six months follow-up. All grafts were intact. Graft displacement requiring suturing occurred in three cases (5%). Graft dehiscence was observed in 29.8%, and in all cases epithelialized without intervention. Other postoperative complications included pyogenic granuloma in 3.5%, graft edema, subgraft hemorrhage in 21.1%, and elevation of intraocular pressure over 21 mmHg in 5.3%. Conclusion: Fibrin glue for fixation for conjunctival autografts after primary nasal pterygium excision is safe and effective. The most common complication in the present study was graft dehiscence, which did not require surgical intervention. Keywords: Conjunctival autograft; Fibrin glue; Pterygium recurrence rate; Graft dehiscence