In Situ Blood Coagulum Versus Sutures for Autograft Fixation After Pterygium Excision

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of autograft fixation using patient's own blood coagulum and using sutures after pterygium excision.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 30 eyes of 30 patients with primary pterygium were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (15 eyes) underwent autograft fixation with 10/0 nylon sutures and Group 2 (15 eyes) underwent autograft fixation by using in situ blood coagulum following pterygium excision. Primary outcome measure of this study was graft failure and displacement. Recurrence, the duration of surgery and patient discomfort were also evaluated. The patients were examined at day 1, day 7, month 1, month 6, and month 12.

Results: Mean duration of surgery was significantly less in Group 2 (mean duration 14 ± 2 minutes) compared with Group 1 (mean duration 48 ± 2 minutes). Graft failure and displacement were more common in Group 2 (13.3%) compared with Group 1 (6.7%). Recurrence was reported equally in both groups. Patient discomfort was found significantly more in Group 1 (foreign body sensation due to sutures.) Conclusions: Autograft fixation by using in situ blood coagulum after pterygium excision is an effective technique with less patient discomfort and shorter operation time.