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Subject Area

Internal Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence and complications of limbal conjunctival autograft (LCAG) compared to simple excision with intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC). Background Pterygium recurrence is the most common postoperative complication. Many adjunctive methods have been used to reduce the recurrence such as chemical agents as MMC. In addition, the traditional bare sclera technique largely has been replaced by procedures that cover the sclera with conjunctival graft. Patients and methods This is a follow-up study of a randomized uncontrolled trial conducted on 100 eyes of 100 patients presented for pterygium excision. They were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups (50 patients in each): group 1 received intraoperative 0.02% MMC and group 2 received LCAG. After a follow-up time of 1 year, recurrences and complications were assessed. Results At 1 year of follow-up time, LCAG group had only one (2%) recurrence compared to eight (16%) recurrences in the MMC group that revealed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.031). Complications such as corneal epithelial defects, lacrimation, and photophobia were more commonly encountered in the MMC group but other complications such as graft retraction, dellen, fibrosis and symblepharon, conjunctival cyst, conjunctival hyperemia, irritation, and subconjunctival haemorrhage were similar in both groups. Conclusion Both LCAG and MMC are effective in the treatment of pterygium however, LCAG decreases recurrence rate and complications.

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