Nylon, fibrin glue and Vicryl®- the graft fixation techniques in the conjunctival autotransplant for the treatment of primary pterygium

Abstract Objective: to compare nylon, fibrin glue and Vicryl® in the conjunctival autograft for treatment of primary pterygium. Methods: Prospective study approved by the Ethics Committee following the Declaration of Helsinki. 89 eyes were underwent pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. They were grouped according to the technique: fibrin glue, nylon 10-0 and 8-0 Vicryl® and followed up for 3 months. Surgical Time, intra and postoperative symptoms, biomicroscopic signs, ocular discomfort ( by Visual Analogue Scale), aesthetic appearance and recurrences (day 21, 90 and 3 years) were evaluated. Results: The operative time was shorter with the fibrin glue (p<0.001). As to intraoperative symptomatology, burning sensation predominated with Vicryl® (p=0,012). The postoperative symptoms and signs: on day 1- secretion with fibrin glue (p=0.02), foreign body sensation (p=0.017) and subconjunctival hemorrhage (p=0.022) with Vycril®; on day 7- chemosis (p=0.035), hyperemia (p<0.001) and eyelid edema (p=0.011) with Vicryl®; on day 21-foreign body sensation (p=0.001) and conjunctival hyperemia (p<0.001) with nylon; on day 90- dry eye (p=0.005) with Vicryl®. Ocular discomfort was greater with Vycril® (p=0.015) on day 7. Final aesthetic appearance was superior with fibrin glue (p=0.003). The recurrences was greater on day 90: 20,7%(nylon), 10%(fibrin glue) and 19%(Vicryl®) (p=0.496) and after 3 years: 4.8% in NG, 0% in FGG, and 5.3% in VG (p=0.536). Conclusion: Fibrin glue showed efficacy, rapidity, less postoperative discomfort and better final aesthetic appearance. Vicryl® showed significant intraoperative and early postoperative symptoms and obvious signs of inflammation, beside ocular discomfort on day 7. Nylon caused more foreign body sensation and conjunctival hyperemia until its removal. The signs of recurrence were similar among the groups.