Pterygium surgery using a conjunctival autograft

Surgery is the only effective treatment for pterygium. The most common technique is the use of a conjunctival autograft after excision of the pterygium. However, the frequency of recurrences of this method, as well as possible complications in different sources, are different. Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy, safety and recurrence rate of conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision. Material and methods. 101 patients with pterygium. aged 57.31 ± 14.7 years. The follow-up period was 1 year in 56 patients and 2 years in 45 patients. All patients underwent excision of the pterygium with conjunctival autograft. Results. An intraoperative complication can be attributed to the insufficient area of the autoconjunctival graft during its transfer to the sclera, which occurred in three patients. Postoperative complications: graft edema in 14 cases (13.86%), granuloma in the suture area was observed in 1 case (0.99%). Recurrence of pterygium was noted in only three cases (2.97%). Conclusion. The use of a conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery has shown its effectiveness and safety, as well as a low recurrence rate. The donor zone in the upper and lateral makes it possible to excise a sufficient area of autoconjunctival graft with preservation of the intact area of possible future surgery for glaucoma. Key words: conjunctival autograft, pterygium, recurrence of pterygium.