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Efficacy and safety of intraoperative mitomycin C as adjunct therapy for pterygium surgery
Lilliam Díaz1, Víctor M Villegas, Andrés Emanuelli
1University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.
Purposes:
The primary objective of this study was to determine if intraoperative application of mitomycin C (MMC) is safe as an adjunct for pterygium surgery. The secondary objectives of the study were to determine if MMC reduces pterygium recurrence rate and to evaluate the effect of MMC on intraocular pressure.
Methods:
We conducted a nonconcurrent prospective study of 68 patients with primary or recurrent pterygium. Patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate for possible complications associated with the use of MMC. The recurrence rate of pterygia was also included in the data.
Results:
We examined a total of 68 patients (68 eyes). The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 98 months (mean = 27.7 +/- 28.8 months). Only 2 postoperative complications were reported: a scleral dellen and a conjunctival cyst. Eight patients (12.0%) with primary pterygium had a recurrence of pterygia after surgery. However, no recurrences occurred in patients with previous recurrent pterygia.
Conclusions:
Findings in our study suggest that MMC is efficacious in preventing recurrences and a safe adjunct therapy during pterygium surgery. Findings in our study suggest that intraoperative MMC application leads to few complications while providing a significant reduction in the recurrence rate.
Insights
Mitomycin C (MMC) is a safe and effective adjunct for pterygium surgery, significantly reducing recurrence rates with minimal complications. This study confirms its efficacy in preventing pterygium regrowth.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Adjuncts
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface condition.
- Recurrence after surgical removal remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) as an adjunct in pterygium surgery.
- To assess MMC's impact on pterygium recurrence rates and intraocular pressure.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 68 patients undergoing pterygium surgery.
- Comprehensive preoperative and postoperative eye examinations were performed.
- Recurrence rates and complications were monitored.
Main Results:
- Only two minor postoperative complications (scleral dellen, conjunctival cyst) were reported.
- A recurrence rate of 12.0% was observed in primary pterygium cases.
- No recurrences were noted in patients who had previously undergone recurrent pterygium surgery.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) is a safe adjunct therapy for pterygium surgery.
- MMC demonstrates efficacy in reducing pterygium recurrence rates.
- The application of MMC leads to a significant decrease in pterygium regrowth.