A novel graft option after pterygium excision: platelet-rich fibrin for conjunctivoplasty

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the surgical results, complications, and recurrence rates of primary pterygium excision with conjunctival autografts (CA) vs platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) grafts.Patients and methodsA total of 35 eyes of 35 patients with primary pterygium were included in the study. The patients underwent excision of pterygium followed by closure of the bare sclera by CA (group 1, n=20) vs PRF grafts (group 2, n=15). The PRF was generated from the patients' own whole-blood sample by centrifugation and pressing. The surgery times, intra/postoperative complications, recurrence rates of pterygium, and changes in visual acuity (VA) were evaluated and compared within groups.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 14.3±6.5 months (6-24 months). The mean preoperative and postoperative VAs were same (20/25) (P=0.204). The mean surgery time was shorter in group 2 (22.1±1.9 min) compared to group 1 (33.8±7.8 min) (P=0.001). The recurrence was observed only in one (6.6%) case of group 2, while none of the cases showed recurrence in group 1. Graft loss was observed in 2 (10%) cases in group 1, and 1 (6.6%) case in group 2. No other intra/postoperative complications such as tear in the graft, excessive bleeding, scleral necrosis, graft necrosis, pannus formation, or symblepharon occurred in both groups.ConclusionsThis preliminary study showed encouraging results of the application of PRF for conjuntivoplasty after pterygium excision. The use of PRF in pterygium surgery is a simple, easily applicable, and a promising method with low rates of recurrence and complications.

Evaluation of changes in corneal endothelial morphology during the progression of pterygium by specular microscopy

“…Blurred vision or decreased visual acuity, cosmetic problems, chronic inflammation, and irritative symptoms are indications for pterygium surgery. Although degenerated tissue is surgically removed, recurrence may occur [3].…”

Pterji̇um Cerrahi̇si̇ İçi̇n Neden Bekleni̇r?

“…Cerrahi olarak dejeneratif doku çıkartılmasına rağmen cerrahi sonrası nüks söz konusu olabilmektedir (7). Günümüzde pterjium cerrahisinde birçok yöntem kullanılmasına rağmen en sık kullanılan ve nispeten az nüks görülen yöntem; otolog limbal-konjonktival greft transplantasyonudur (6)(7)(8). Pterjium ameliyatı, erken dönemde yapılırsa gerek anatomik gerekse fonksiyonel başarı artmakta, nüks oranları azalmaktadır (7,8).…”

“…Günümüzde pterjium cerrahisinde birçok yöntem kullanılmasına rağmen en sık kullanılan ve nispeten az nüks görülen yöntem; otolog limbal-konjonktival greft transplantasyonudur (6)(7)(8). Pterjium ameliyatı, erken dönemde yapılırsa gerek anatomik gerekse fonksiyonel başarı artmakta, nüks oranları azalmaktadır (7,8). Çalışmamızın amacı pterjiumu olan hastalarda ameliyat zamanını geciktiren hasta kaynaklı sebepleri, demografik faktörleri bulmak ve sebebe yönelik alınabilecek önlemleri tespit etmektir.…”

“…Bulanık görme veya görme keskinliğinde azalma, kozmetik sorun oluşturması, kronik inflamasyon ve irritatif semptomlar pterjium ameliyat endikasyonlarıdır. Cerrahi olarak dejeneratif doku çıkartılmasına rağmen cerrahi sonrası nüks söz konusu olabilmektedir (7). Günümüzde pterjium cerrahisinde birçok yöntem kullanılmasına rağmen en sık kullanılan ve nispeten az nüks görülen yöntem; otolog limbal-konjonktival greft transplantasyonudur (6)(7)(8).…”

Application of platelet‐rich fibrin grafts following pterygium excision

“…6 A study reported on the application of PRF in pterygium surgery; however, it only compared PRF grafts with CA. 11 Considering the enrolled sample size and follow-up time, further studies and research need to be undertaken to arrive at a firm conclusion on the efficacy and safety of PRF in pterygium surgery.…”