LONG-TERM RESULTS OF CONJUNCTIVA-LIMBUS AUTOGRAFTS IN PATIENTS WITH PTERYGIA

Background Conjunctiva-limbus autografting is known as a safe surgical technique for the removal of pterygia, with a low rate of recurrence. However, the long-term effect of this surgical maneuver is not clear. This study now investigates the long-term efficacy of conjunctiva-lim bus autografts to prevent pterygium recurrence. Methods Conjunctiva-li mbus transplants for primary (n=62) or recurrent (n=8) pterygia were r eevaluated 11 to 83 months after surgery (mean: 44.97 months). Slit-la mp appearance and photomicrographs were studied with respect to the co nfiguration of the transplant and the recurrence of the fibrovascular tissue typical of pterygia. Results Corneal pterygium recurrence has b een observed in 2 cases. Fibrovascular tissue was found at the periphe ral transplant-margin in 15 cases, and transplant compression towards the limbal margins were detected in further 7 patients. These conjunct ival changes have not been observed during the first postoperative mon ths. Conclusions Conjunctiva-limbus autografts in pterygia have excell ent efficacy against recurrence within the first few years. The transp lant compression and fibrovascular changes within the peripheral conju nctiva seen in this study suggest that recurrencies might, however, de velop on the long-term.