Management of Pterygium Using Autologous Blood for Conjunctival Graft Fixation

Aims and Objectives:
This study aimed to study the efficacy and surgical outcome of using autologous blood for conjunctival autografting in pterygium excision.


Materials and Methods:
A prospective, interventional hospital-based study was carried out over 17 eyes of 17 patients having primary or recurrent pterygium. Pterygium excision followed by conjunctiva autografting was performed in all the patients. Conjunctiva graft was fixed to the host bed using autologous blood which was followed by bandaging for 24 h. The patients were followed up postoperatively on day 1, week 1, week 2, month 1, month 3, and for recurrence up to 6 months. They were examined for any complications or recurrence.


Results:
There were a total of 17 patients, of which 13 were females and 4 were males. The mean age of all the patients was 54.76 ± 8.55 years, range: 41–70 years. Graft-related complication was mild decentration in 1 eye, graft edema in 9 eyes, and lost graft seen in 2 eyes. Recurrence occurred in one eye. No other complication was noted. Good postoperative cosmesis was achieved.


Conclusion:
Fixation of conjunctival autograft using autologous blood in pterygium surgery is a safe and economical method. The main disadvantage of this procedure is the loss of graft that can occur in the immediate postoperative period.