Abstract

Aim: To compare the use of fibrin glue versus sutures for fixating conjunctival autografts in patients undergoing pterygium excision.

Methods: Fifty patients (50 eyes) with primary pterygium were randomized to undergo pterygium surgery using either fibrin glue (25 eyes) or 8-0 Vicryl sutures (25 eyes) to attach the conjunctival autograft. The patients were followed-up for 12 months. Outcome measures were postoperative patient comfort, duration of surgery, and recurrence of pterygium.

Results: In the fibrin glue group, the mean operation time was 15.7±2.4 minutes (range, 12-18 minutes); it was 32.5±6.7 minutes (range, 25-40 minutes) in the suture group (P<.001). The intensity of the postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, irritation and epiphora were significantly lower in the fibrin glue group than in the suture group (P<.001). Intense itchy sensation at the first 2 postoperative visits was lesser among patients in the fibrin glue group (5 patients, 20%) than in the suture group (12 patients, 48%) (P < .05). Two patients in the fibrin glue group had partial graft dehiscence, these grafts were successfully reattached with fibrin glue. At the end of follow-up, pterygium recurrence was observed in 1 eye (4%) in the fibrin glue group and in 3 eyes (12%) in the suture group (P<.05).

Conclusion: Using fibrin glue in pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting significantly reduces surgery time, improves postoperative patient comfort, and results in a lower recurrence rate compared with suturing.