Abstract
Purpose
To describe a simple and effective technique for the prevention of pterygium recurrence.
Methods
This is a retrospective consecutive single-center case series with recurrence rate as the main outcome measure. Dissection of the conjunctiva, the Tenon’s layer, and the sclera was continued up to the insertion of medial rectus. The exposed Tenon’s layer was excised for 2 to 3 mm. The entire free edges of the conjunctiva was tacked firmly to the sclera. The conjunctival-limbal graft was sutured firmly to the sclera, recipient limbus, and to the conjunctiva incorporating the reciprocal edges.
Results
We report findings in a total of 36 patients, with 20 (%55.5) males and 16 (%44.4) females. Median age of the patients was 44.5 years (range 16–80). The mean follow-up period was 23.1 ± 6.5 months. The mean size of pterygium in mm length was 3.8 ± 0.7. Recurrence did not occur in any patient. Diplopia was not reported by any patients.
Conclusions
Conjunctival-limbal autograft combining with selective exicison of Tenon’s layer but without damage to any essential tissue such as the semilunar fold or Tenon’s capsule pulley is a relatively simple and effective procedure.
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The contributions of the authors are as follows: Conception and design (SC, ED, UD, and LC), analysis, and interpretation (SC, ED, UD, and LC), writing the article (SC), critical revision of the manuscript (SC, ED, UD, and LC), final approval of the manuscript (SC, ED, UD, and LC), data collection (SC, ED, UD, and LC), provision of the materials and patients (SC), literature search (SC, ED, UD, and LC), and administrative, technical, and logistical support (SC,ED, UD, and LC). Suleyman Ciftci (SC): I have full access to all the data in the study, and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Each of the coauthors (ED, UD, and LC) has seen and agrees with each of the changes made to this manuscript.
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Ciftci, S., Dogan, E., Dag, U. et al. Removal of Tenon fortified by conjunctival-limbal autograft in treatment of pterygium. Int Ophthalmol 37, 813–818 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-016-0341-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-016-0341-1