Complications of Fibrin Glue in Pterygium Surgery with Amniotic Membrane Transplant

Purpose:To compare the complications and the recurrence rate between fibrin glue (TISSEEL) and Vicryl 8-0 sutures in amniotic membrane transplant during pterygium surgery.Methods:Patients who underwent pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane transplant (AMT) in the Wang Eye Clinic (Doraville,USA).were randomly categorized into two groups:one group received TISSEEL and the other group received Vicryl 8-0 sutures.All procedures for both groups were performed by one ophthalmologist.Twenty-four patients (24 eyes) participated in the TISSEEL group (22 eyes with primary surgery and 2 eyes with surgery for recurrence) and 19 patients (19 eyes) took part in the suture group (18 primary eyes and 1 recurrence).The patients with recurrent pterygium in both groups had not received AMT previously.Post-operatively,patients were followed up for one week and then one year to check for any signs of complications and recurrence.Results:Conjunctival inflammation occurred in 3 eyes (12.5%) in the TISSEEL group,and 6 eyes (31.6%) in the suture group.(P<0.05,Chi-square test).In the TISSEEL group,1 eye (4.2%) showed recurrence,while there were no recurrences in the sutures group.There were 3 dry eyes (15.8%) in the suture group and 2 dry eyes (8.3%) in the TISSEEL group (P>0.05).No dislocated conjunctival grafts,Dellen,inflammation,infection,bleeding,pyogenic granuloma,or scleromalacia was observed in either group.Conclusion:Pterygium surgery with AMT had less conjunctival inflammation and dry eye in patients receiving fibrin glue than those with Vicryl 8-0 sutures.