Evaluation of Efficacy of Autologous Serum versus Fibrin Glue for Conjunctival Autograft Adherence in Sutureless Pterygium Surgery

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Pterygium surgery aims to achieve low recurrence, minimal complications, and good cosmetic outcomes. Conjunctival autografting is widely accepted as the most effective technique to reduce recurrence. In sutureless surgery, autologous serum and fibrin glue are commonly used for graft fixation. Objective: To compare the efficacy of autologous serum versus fibrin glue for conjunctival autograft adherence in sutureless pterygium surgery. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, from January 2020 to July 2020. Sixty patients with primary pterygium were enrolled and divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft fixation using autologous serum, while Group B underwent fixation using fibrin glue. Patients were followed up on the 1st postoperative day, 7th postoperative day, 1 month, and up to 6 months to assess graft adherence, postoperative complications, surgical time, and recurrence. Results: The mean age was 48.23±5.36 years in Group A and 50.28±6.41 years in Group B, with no significant difference (p>0.05). Graft adherence was achieved in 96.7% of patients in Group A and 100% in Group B. Early postoperative complications such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, graft edema, and graft retraction were minimal and comparable between groups. No recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: Autologous serum is as effective as fibrin glue for conjunctival autograft adherence in sutureless pterygium surgery and may serve as a cost-effective alternative.