Objective: To evaluate postoperative recurrence rate and complications after inferior conjunctival autograft transplantation for primary pterygium.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective Cohort study on 45 eyes in 45 patients that underwent inferior conjunctival autograft transplantation after pterygium removal in primary pterygium. The results of all patients were reviewed. The success rate was determined in terms of recurrence rate of pterygium. Postoperative complications were also analyzed.

Results: The present study comprised 45 patients for 45 eyes, that undergone inferior conjunctival autograft transplantation after pterygium removal in primary pterygium. The mean follow-up was 14.2±10.1 months. Recurrence rate was 7% or three eyes, in one year follow-up. No serious complications were found. Conjunctival buttonhole was a major complication.

Conclusion: Inferior conjunctival autograft transplantation after pterygium removal is an effective and safe treatment with low complications. This alternative surgical technique is used to preserve superior conjunctiva for future glaucoma filtering surgery.

Keywords: Inferior conjunctival autograft; Primary pterygium; Glaucoma

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2022.02.13269

Received 10 August 2021 | Revised 2 February 2022 | Accepted 2 February 2022