Study on Effectiveness of Pterygium Surgery with Conjunctival Autograft Using Autologous Serum

Introduction:Pterygium is a wing shaped fold of conjunctiva encroaching onto the cornea1. Surgical excision with conjunctival autograft is a treatment of choice1. Autograft can be secured either with autologous serum, fibrin glue or sutures. In our study we aimed at assessing the efficacy of conjunctival autograft using autologous serum.Materials and Methods:A prospective randomized control study included 50 eyes that have undergone primary pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft using autologous serum at a tertiary care centre. Intraoperatively patients were evaluated for surgical time, ease of technique and cost effectiveness. Postoperatively patients were assessed regarding graft placement and patients comfort. During follow up after 8 days, 15 days, 2 months, 6 months, and one year, patients were evaluated for graft adherence and recurrence of pterygium.Results:Of the 50 eyes analyzed, 44 eyes hadwell placed conjunctival autograft in post-operative period and 4 eyes had displaced graft. Two eyes had recurrence of pterygium during follow-up of one year. Overall time required for conjunctival autograft (CAG) with autologous serum is around 20-25 minutes which is very less as compared to suturing technique. In rural setup, use of fibrin glue for CAG is inaccessible and expensive but autologous serum could be cost effective.Conclusion:Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft using autologous serum is very cost effective and time saving procedure. Graft displacement and recurrence rate are also less. There is reduced surgical time, less post-operative discomfort, safety and cost effectiveness with conjunctival autograft using patients own serum