INTRAOPERATIVE MITOMYCIN-C VERSUS POSTOPERATIVE TOPICAL MITOMYCIN-C DROPS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PTERYGIUM

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of two d ifferent regimens of mitomycin-C (MMC) application as adjunctive chemo therapy in the treatment of pterygia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundre d fifty-six patients underwent pterygium excision using the bare scler a technique. They were randomly assigned to have either 0.1 mg/ml of M MC applied to the bare sclera for 3 minutes intraoperatively, or 0.05- mg/ml drops applied topically for 2 weeks postoperatively. The mean fo llow-up period was 11 months (range 7 to 17). RESULTS: Complications w ith the intraoperative MMC included 5 cases of recurrence (5.75%), 2 c ases of superficial punctate keratitis (SPK), and 3 cases of delayed c onjunctival wound healing. Topical MMC led to 6 cases of recurrence (6 .9%), 5 cases of SPK, 4 cases of delayed conjunctival wound healing, a nd 2 cases of mild iritis. CONCLUSION: A single, intraoperative applic ation of MMC is a simple, effective alternative adjunctive treatment f or pterygium.