TY - JOUR T1 - Fibrin glue versus sutures for conjunctival autografting in pterygium surgery: a prospective comparative study JF - British Journal of Ophthalmology JO - Br J Ophthalmol SP - 1206 LP - 1210 DO - 10.1136/bjo.2008.139600 VL - 92 IS - 9 AU - A Karalezli AU - C Kucukerdonmez AU - Y A Akova AU - R Altan-Yaycioglu AU - M Borazan Y1 - 2008/09/01 UR - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/92/9/1206.abstract N2 - 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 randomised 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 (SD 2.4) min (range 12–18 min) and in the suture group (p<0.001) it was 32.5 (6.7) min (range 25–40 min). 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<0.001). The intensity of itchy sensation at the first two postoperative visits was lower among patients in the fibrin glue group (five patients, 20%) than in the suture group (12 patients, 48%) (p<0.05). 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 one eye (4%) in the fibrin glue group and in three eyes (12%) in the suture group (p<0.05).Conclusion: The use of 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. ER -