Journal List > J Korean Ophthalmol Soc > v.50(12) > 1008438

Hong, Ko, and Kim: Effect of Inferior Conjunctival Transposition Flap Surgery for Primary Pterygium

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the inferior conjunctival transposition flap for primary pterygium surgery.

Methods

This study reviewed 59 eyes in 59 patients with primary pterygium who were treated with pterygium excision and an inferior conjunctival transposition flap. The inferior conjunctival flap was obtained from lower bulbar conjunctiva and was secured with 8–0 vicryl. Patients were followed-up on the third day after surgery and then at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

The mean patient age was 55.6 (ranging from 34 to 74) years. The mean follow-up period was 24.9 (ranging from 12 to 46) months. During the follow-up period, the pterygium recurred in one (1.7%) of the 59 eyes. There were no severe complications except for mild congestion and hemorrhage of the conjunctival flap.

Conclusions

Inferior conjunctival transposition flap technique may be considered as a safe and effective method that reduces complications and recurrences after primary pterygium excision.

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Figure 1.
The appearance of an inferior transposition flap.
jkos-50-1774f1.tif
Figure 2.
The image of flap for harvest.
jkos-50-1774f2.tif
Figure 3.
The image of after transposition of inferior conjunctival flap.
jkos-50-1774f3.tif
Figure 4.
(A) Photograph of the inferior transposition flap at three days after surgery. (B) Photograph of the inferior transposition flap at three months after surgery.
jkos-50-1774f4.tif
Figure 5.
Photograph of the congestion of inferior transposition flap at postoperative 1 week.
jkos-50-1774f5.tif
Table 1.
Patient characteristics
Number of eyes (patients) 59 (59)
Ages (mean years) 55.6
   <40 (years) 1
   ≥40 (years) 58
Sex (M/F) 34/25
Follow-up duration (mean, month) 24.9
Recurrence, eye (%) 1 (1.7)
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