Comparison of recurrence rate of primary pterygium using conjunctival autograft with sutures versus suture-free approach.

Objective: To compare the recurrence rate of primary pterygium treated with conjunctival autograft (CAG) using sutures versus a suture-free approach. Methodology: From July 2022 to December 2022, a quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. A total of 110 patients with primary pterygium underwent treatment with conjunctival autograft using sutures or a suture-less/glue-free approach, under local anaesthesia. The patients were monitored for 12 months after surgery to assess recurrence and complications, and all procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Data was collected and analyzed on SPSS version 22. Result: The study included 110 patients with pterygium, mostly males (71.81%) and from rural areas, with the nasal location being the most common. Group A had 3 recurrences at 3 and 6 months, while Group B had 4 recurrences at similar intervals. Group A had fewer complications, including graft oedema, retraction, granuloma, and giant papillary conjunctivitis, while Group B had three cases of retraction. The recurrence rate was found to be 5.08% and 7.70% with and without sutures (P value ≥ 0.53) respectively. Conclusion: The excision of primary pterygium using conjunctival autograft with sutures or suture-free/glue-free methods are safe and uncomplicated procedure that results in lower levels of induced astigmatism, improved cosmetic appearance, no tissue loss, reduced recurrence of pterygium, and decreased risk of, scleral thinning, granuloma formation. Suture-free conjunctival autograft results in less postoperative manifestation like discomfort foreign body sensation, shorter surgery time, and high levels of patient satisfaction compared to conjunctival autograft with sutures. Key words: Primary pterygium, autograft and pterygium. recurrence rate of pterygium, suture with pterygium.