Preoperative Subpterygial Mitomycin C Injection Versus Limbal Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation for Prevention of Pterygium Recurrence

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative outcome and recurrence rate after primary pterygium excision using preoperative Mitomycin C (MMC) injection versus limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation (LCAT). METHODS: Ninety-one eyes with primary pterygium were divided into 2 groups. Group A eyes (included 48 eyes) were operated upon with pterygium excision 1 month after subpterygial injection of MMC 0.015%. Group B eyes (included 43 eyes) were operated upon with pterygium excision followed by LCAT technique. Pterygium regrowth over the cornea for 1 mm or more was considered as a recurrence. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 24 months. In group A, reported recurrence was found in 2 (4.2%) eyes with a complication rate of 16.80%. While in group B, recurrence was reported in 4 (9.3%) eyes with a complication rate of 11.63%. No serious postoperative complications were reported. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the recurrence rate as well as the complication rate. CONCLUSION: Both techniques used in the current study proved to be effective in reducing the recurrence rate after excision of primary nasal pterygium with minimal postoperative complications. Preoperative MMC injection was technically easier, with shorter operative and preservation of healthy conjunctiva. However, LCAT is a one-stage procedure and independent from adjunctive pharmacological or radiation therapies with their hazards.