Pterygium excision with suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft

Introduction: Pterygium excision is a commonly encountered surgery with different methods being used. These procedures range from simple excision to use of grafts. Limbal conjunctival autograft is currently the most popular surgical procedure. The most common method of autograft fixation is suturing. But it has its own drawbacks like increased operating time, post-operative discomfort, inflammation, buttonholes, necrosis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, scarring, and granuloma formation. Glue is widely used due to many advantages like easy fixation of the graft, shorter operation time, and reduction in complications and post-operative discomfort but at the same time has some disadvantages also like high cost, the risk of transmission of infectionsand inactivation by iodine preparations. Purpose: In the following study, we describe a simple method of accomplishing conjunctival autograft adherence during pterygium surgery avoiding possible complications associated with the use of fibrin glue or sutures. Design: Prospective study. Method: We used conjunctival autograft, which was not sutured or glued to the scleral bed. The fibrin formed from the oozing blood was used to get the graft adhesion to the scleral bed. This study was approved by institutional review board, and written consent form was taken from each participant. Results: The suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft was found to have excellent results in terms of surgical outcome as well as post-operative recovery. In addition, risk of side effects related to sutures and glue was eliminated. Conclusion: Suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft is a new, easy, and cheaper technique for the management of pterygium.