Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane for Pterygium Surgery: Literature Review and Feasibility Assessment

Abstract

Pterygium is a common ocular disease caused by abnormal cellular proliferation leading to abnormal fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva. The main treatment is surgical removal; however, despite the improvement of surgical techniques and development of adjuvant therapies, postoperative recurrence, which can be as high as 89%, remains a challenge. Currently, pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft remains the preferred surgical technique, although there is no gold standard technique to prevent pterygium recurrence. We have conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the scientific literature regarding the use of PRF membranes in pterygium surgery. We aim to assess the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of platelet-rich fibrin membrane for primary pterygium surgery and assess its possible benefits in resourcelimited settings.

Human versus Rat PRF on Collagen Membranes: A Pilot Study of Mineralization in Rat Calvaria Defect Model

“…The plasma fraction containing the platelets and leukocytes undergoes coagulation, and the resulting yellow clot is removed while serum is squeezed out, ending up with PRF membranes [1]. PRF membranes have a broad spectrum of clinical applications ranging from dentistry [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] to other disciplines, such as healing diabetic ulcers [10], cartilage and joint repair [11], and even pterygium surgery [12]. In dentistry, for instance, a typical application of PRF membranes is in filling extraction sockets, not only for alveolar ridge preservation but also for the improvement of bone regeneration [13,14].…”