Intraoperative application of topical mitomycin C 0.05% for pterygium surgery.

BACKGROUND

Pterygium recurrence is a common problem encountered by ophthalmic surgeons. Several methods have been suggested to avoid these recurrences. We studied the recurrence rate of pterygium after administration of a single intraoperative dosage of topical mitomycin C 0.05%.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of fifty eyes in forty-nine patients who underwent pterygium excision by the same surgeon using intraoperative topical mitomycin C during the years 2002--2003. Mitomycin concentration was 0.05% applied to pterygium and adjacent areas after undermining and separation from sclera but prior to excision for three minutes. Postoperative follow up time was 12 months.

RESULTS

The pterygium recurred in 4 (8%) eyes. Another four eyes (8%) had a cosmetically acceptable recurrence of < 2.0 mm. The only complication was a corneal dellen in one eye.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative administration of mitomycin C at 0.05% is safe and effective in preventing pterygium recurrences.