New approach for pterygium removal using 20 % ethanol

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Pterygium is a common ocular surface condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Existing pterygium removal methods have varying recurrence rates and complication profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new pterygium removal technique utilizing a 20% ethanol solution.
• To assess the safety, efficacy, and recurrence rate of this ethanol-assisted pterygium excision.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series of 64 patients (68 eyes) undergoing pterygium removal with 20% ethanol solution.
• The procedure involved topical ethanol application within a metal ring, followed by pterygium excision and mitomycin C application.
• Data collected included intraoperative complications and postoperative recurrence rates over a minimum 12-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The ethanol-assisted technique facilitated easy separation of the pterygium from the cornea.
• No intraoperative complications were reported in any of the cases.
• A low recurrence rate of 2.9% (2 out of 68 eyes) was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Ethanol 20% solution provides a simple and effective method for pterygium removal.
• The technique creates a distinct cleavage plane, simplifying the surgical separation of pterygium tissue.
• This approach is a safe and viable option for pterygium surgery with minimal recurrence.