J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Aug;42(8):1143-1149.

The Clinical Efficacy of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Limbal-Conjunctival Autograft in Patients with Recurrent Pterygium or Pseudopterygium

• Park GS
• Choi TH
• Park WC
• Kim JC

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation and limbal-conjunctival autograft for patients with recurrent pterygium or pseudopterygium, the results of 15 eyes of 14 patients were analyzed.
METHODS
Total 10 cases of recurrent pterygium and 5 cases of pseudopterygium were surgically managed during June 1998 to July 2000. After excision of pterygium, amniotic membrane was attached on the bare sclera and limbal-conjunctival autograft was transplanted over the amniotic membrane. Mean follow-up period was 47.2 week and all patients were examined for recurrence, which was graded from G0(no vessel) to G3(fibrotic tissue invading the limbus).
RESULTS
12 out of 15 cases(rate 80%) showed no recurrence(grade 0). 1 case of grade 2 recurrence and 2 cases of grade 3(total 3 cases) were observed(rate 20%). Reoperation was performed on 2 cases of grade 3 recurrence. There was no further recurrence necessitating additional reoperation. 1 case of limbal graft was detached and removed. The operation time of this more prolonged than the other procedures, but there were no significant complications.
CONCLUSION
Amniotic membrane and limbal-conjunctival autograft for patients with recurrent pterygium or pseudopterygium reconstructed complete ocular surface with less recurrence. Therefore, we recommend this surgical approach as a safe and effective method for the treatment of complicated cases of pterygium.

Keyword

Amniotic membrane transplantation; Limbal-conjunctival autograft; Pseudopterygium; Recurrent pterygium

MeSH Terms

Amnion*
Autografts*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Pterygium*
Recurrence
Reoperation
Sclera
Transplants