The autologous blood become gold standard procedure in pterygium surgery: An observational study

Introduction: Degenerative pterygium causes visual impairment due to astigmatism and blockade of visual axis. As pterygium cannot be treated medically, surgical excision of pterygium is the only way. Simple excision can be done but it is associated highest recurrence rate. Hence the standard method of preventing the recurrence after pterygium excision is Limbal conjunctival Auto Graft (LCAG). Adherence of the Auto graft to the excisional site is done by overlaying the auto graft upon the sclera either with sutures or glue routinely. However to address suture and fibrin related complications the concept of Autologous Blood came up. The current study taken up to find out whether autologous blood has become standard technique in treatment of degenerative pterygium. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Autologous blood in the adherence of the LCAG. Purpose: To know whether leaving the Autologous blood on the scleral bed can be made as a standard procedure in Pterygium surgery. Materials and Methods: 30 patients with the degenerative pterygium grown beyond the limbus were taken for the study. Patients with bleeding disorders, recurrent pterygium, ocular surface disorders, minimal pterygia and pregnancy were excluded. Pterygium was excised leaving the patient's own blood on the excised area with minimal cautery and LCAG is placed on the bare sclera, and then pad bandage applied. Post operatively eyes were examined whether LCAG is well adhered or not. All the patients were followed for minimum of 6 weeks. Results: All eyes (100%) showed excellent adherence throughout the post operative period. None of the eyes lost the graft. Conclusion: The autologous blood excellent replacement for sutures and donor fibrin. Autologous blood is simple adjuvant of choice and has become gold standard in Pterygium surgery.