Sliding flap of conjunctival limbus to prevent recurrence of pterygium.

BACKGROUND

Several techniques have been advocated for the excision of a pterygium: bare sclera, conjunctival flaps, free conjunctival graft, and labial mucous membrane graft.

METHODS

Twenty eyes were treated with a sliding flap of limbal conjunctiva into the scleral bed of the excised pterygium, using 7-0 and 8-0 Vicryl sutures. Corticosteroids and tear substitutes were administered postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was one recurrence in the 20 eyes performed with 1 year follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence was limited to that of 5% (1 case out of 20). Postoperative inflammatory reaction was minimal.