Modified Limbal–Conjunctival Autograft Surgical Technique: Long-Term Results of Recurrence and Complications

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the recurrence and complication rates of a modified limbal–conjunctival autograft surgical technique for pterygium excision. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-surgeon, single-operating environment, consecutive case series of 176 eyes in 163 patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of pterygium. All patients underwent excision using a 23-gauge needle to “behead” the pterygium head, followed by a limbal–conjunctival autograft including ∼50% of the palisades of Vogt. Outcomes measured included recurrence, defined as any conjunctival fibrovascular growth, and complication rates. Correlations between preoperative patient characteristics, pterygium morphology, and intraoperative factors (width of corneal extension, conjunctival defect, and graft) with postoperative recurrence were examined using logistic regression models. Results: The median age was 59.5 years and 122 eyes (69.3%) had primary pterygium (type I: 17%, II: 37.5%, and III: 45.5%). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated the median pterygium-free follow-up period to be 723 days (range 46–7230 days). Recurrence was observed in 3 eyes of 2 patients (1.7%). No postoperative graft-related complications were observed. Postoperative symptomatology was transient. Age demonstrated a negative correlation with recurrence (odds ratio 0.888, 95% CI, 0.789–0.998, P = 0.046). However, no other correlations with preoperative or intraoperative factors, including whether pterygium was primary or recurrent, were identified (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: This modified limbal–conjunctival autograft technique represents an effective alternative that offers a very low recurrence rate and avoids extensive dissection or antimetabolites, with minimal complications and transient postoperative symptomatology, over a long-term follow-up period. This technique is relatively simple and successful for both primary and recurrent pterygia. Future comparative studies with other surgical techniques may determine which are superior.