A randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of fibrin glue with sutures in primary pterygium surgery

Background: Pterygium is one of the most common ophthalmic problems encountered worldwide .Studies have shown reduced recurrence rate following the use of conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium surgery. Our study compares the efficacy of fibrin glue versus suturing in conjunctival auto graft with respect to graft stability, post operative discomfort, surgical time and recurrence. Methods: A randomized control trial was carried out in 50 patients with primary pterygium and they were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group the autograft was attached using ethilon 10-0 sutures while in second group fibrin glue was used. Surgical duration was recorded and patients were followed up on day 1,7 and 30 . Both the groups were compared for graft stability, post operative discomfort, surgical time and recurrence. Results: The average surgical time was 50.4 min with suture group and 19.48 min with fibrin glue group. Post operative discomfort was less with the fibrin glue group. At the end of one month, 2 cases (8.6%) from suture group and none from the fibrin glue group had recurrence. There was no significant difference between both the groups with regard to graft stability. Conclusion: Fibrin glue is effective for attaching conjunctival autograft during primary pterygium surgery. The use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting significantly improves postoperative patient’s comfort, lower recurrence rate and reduces surgical time. Keywords: Pterygium, Conjunctival autograft, Fibrin glue