Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of fibrin glue and suturing for attaching conjunctival autografts among patients undergoing pterygium excision.
Design: Prospective, randomized, interventional case series.
Participants: Twenty-two patients undergoing excision of primary pterygium.
Methods: A superior conjunctival autograft was harvested and transferred onto bare sclera after pterygium excision. Fibrin glue (Beriplast P) was used to attach the autograft in 11 eyes and nylon 10-0 suture was used to attach the autograft in 11 eyes. The patients were followed up for 2 months.
Main outcome measures: Graft success, recurrence rate, operating time, patient comfort.
Results: All conjunctival autografts in both groups were successfully attached and were intact after 2 months. The average operating time for the fibrin glue group was significantly shorter (P<0.001). Postoperative symptoms were fewer for the fibrin glue group than the suture group. One patient (9%) from the fibrin group experienced subconjunctival hemorrhage, and 1 patient (9%) from the suture group experienced partial graft dehiscence.
Conclusions: Fibrin glue is a safe and effective method for attaching conjunctival autografts. The use of fibrin glue results in shorter operating times and less postoperative discomfort.