Conjunctival Autograft versus Combined Amniotic Membrane and Mini-Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplant for Primary Pterygium Excision

Purpose: To compare outcomes of conjunctival autograft (CAG) and combined amniotic membrane with mini-simple limbal epithelial transplant (mini-SLET) after primary pterygium excision. Methods: All consenting adults with primary pterygium were included in this study. After pterygium excision, patients were randomized to receive either CAG or mini-SLET and both grafts were held in place with fibrin glue. The patients were followed-up at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 and subsequently at the third, sixth, and ninth months. The recurrence rate was considered as the primary outcome measure whereas the operating time, postoperative symptoms, and surgical complications were considered the secondary outcome measures. Results: The study comprised of 264 eyes of 264 patients, of which 233 (88%) completed the nine months of follow-up. Of these, 118 (51%) received CAG and 115 (49%) received mini-SLET. The groups were comparable at baseline. Recurrence of pterygium was seen in two (1.6%) eyes in the CAG group and three (2.6%) eyes in the mini-SLET group (P = 0.68). Operative time for mini-SLET (20.33 +/- 1.28 min) was significantly higher than that for CAG (12.01 +/- 1.26 min) (P < 0.001). Graft displacement was observed in one case in group II (P= 0.999). The Lim Bon Siong (foreign body sensation, lacrimation, pain, and irritation) score in the CAG group was statistically significant for all four symptoms at days 1 and 3; however, at day 7, foreign body sensation, pain, and irritation scores were significantly higher for the CAG group. Conclusion: In this study, the overall recurrence rate was very low and comparable between mini-SLET and the established technique of CAG after performing the primary pterygium excision. Despite a longer surgical time, mini-SLET appears to be a viable option for the management of primary pterygium.