Triethylene thiophosphoramide (thio-tepa) and pterygium

A 1:2000 solution of a radiomimetic alkylating agent-triethylene thiophosphoramide (thio-tepa, Lederle Laboratories) with a proven inhibitory action on proliferating vascular endothelium, was used topically as an adjunct to pterygium surgery in an attempt to decrease the incidence of recurrence. A bare-sclera technique, with excision of the pterygium, was the surgical method used. Two drops of 1:2000 solution of thiotepa (15 mg in 30 cc of Ringer's solution) were applied every three hours while awake from the second postoperative day for six weeks. Twenty-six eyes received this treatment. There was one recurrence in the period of follow-up, which has been up to three years. Four fellow eyes, operated on at the same time with the same surgical technique, received no topical thio-tepa postoperatively. Two of these eyes developed a recurrence of the pterygium. No sequelae related to corneal damage, defective vision, or interference with wound healing were observed. No systemic effects were encountered. It is concluded that thio-tepa, used as described, is a safe, inexpensive and valuable aid in pterygium surgery.