Outcome of surgery for recurrent pterygium using intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation

• Published in: Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi Vol. 107; no. 6; p. 316
• Main Authors: Kawasaki, Shiro, Uno, Toshihiko, Shimamura, Ichiro, Ohashi, Yuichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan 01-06-2003
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Amnion - transplantation; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Male; Middle Aged; Mitomycin - administration & dosage; Pterygium - drug therapy; Pterygium - surgery; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0029-0203

Preserved human amniotic membrane has been used in reconstruction of the ocular surface. In this paper, we report our method of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for recurrent pterygium.
Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with recurrent pterygium are reported. All subjects were operated on with an extensive excision of the subconjunctival fibrous tissues followed by application of mitomycin C (0.04%, 3-5 min) during the operation. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed with implantation of conjunctival autograft in cases with a large excision.
The mean follow up time was 17.3 +/- 9.3 (mean +/- standard deviation) months. Twelve eyes showed severe symblepharon and 14 patients suffered from double vision before the operation. There were only three mild recurrences (12%), 11 patients recovered from double vision, and no major complications such as sclermalasia were noted during the follow-up period.
AMT with application of mitomycin C is effective in preventing pterygium recurrence and for improved ocular movement. The cosmetic outcome of our methods has also been satisfactory.