Limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation for the treatment of recurrent pterygium.

OBJECTIVE

Different investigators have recently emphasized the importance of the limbus and its stem cells in the pathogenesis of the pterygium. In this article we examine the usefulness of limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation for the treatment of advanced recurrent pterygium.

DESIGN

Prospective noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven patients with advanced recurrent pterygium. All had previously been treated a minimum of two times by simple excision (two of them with intraoperative mitomycin C).

INTERVENTION

Limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation after pterygium excision was performed in all cases.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pterygium recurrences and complications with a minimal follow-up period of 14 months.

RESULTS

There were no recurrences of pterygial growth beyond the limbal edge. In addition, no significant complications were noted. Only one case of limited pseudopterygium in the donor site and one case of graft retraction were recorded. No further surgical interventions were needed in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

Limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation is a promising technique for the treatment of advanced recurrent pterygium.