Clinical Outcomes between Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue for Pterygium Surgery

Abstract

We compared clinical outcomes including recurrence rate between amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue and minimal conjunctival sutures for pterygium surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 217 eyes of 198 patients with pterygia who underwent surgery from May 2016 to December 2019. Pterygium excision was performed with conjunctival autograft or AMT, using fibrin glue with both. Recurrence rates and complications were evaluated between the two groups. Results: Postoperative recurrences were noted in one of 185 eyes (0.5%) in the conjunctival autograft group, and in six of 32 eyes (18.8%) in the AMT group. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the conjunctival autograft group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that conjunctival autograft was associated with a significantly lower risk of pterygium recurrence compared to AMT (odds ratio, 0.023; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.206; p = 0.001). No ocular complication was noted in both groups during follow-up. Conclusions: Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue was more effective in preventing recurrence compared to AMT.