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Updated: Nov 29, 2025
A Simplified Technique for In situ Excision of Cornea and Evisceration of Retinal Tissue from Human Ocular Globe
Published on: June 12, 2012
Pterygium excision with modified bare sclera technique combined with mitomycin C
Yulia Aziza1,2, Tsutomu Inatomi3,4, Chie Sotozono1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Hirokoji-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0841, Japan.
Purpose:
Numerous surgical methods, with varying rates of recurrence, have been applied for the treatment of pterygium. Adjuvant mitomycin C (MMC) application has shown promising results in the prevention of recurrence. Here we propose and describe modified bare sclera technique combined with the intraoperative application of MMC for pterygium excision.
Study Design:
Retrospective study.
Methods:
Primary pterygium patients who underwent pterygium excision via the bare sclera combined with 0.04% MMC technique from January 2014 to December 2016 were reviewed. In all patients, the subconjunctival pterygium strand was exposed and then sufficiently excised in combination with the safe use of MMC; i.e., the prevention of MMC dilution and diffusion to surrounding tissue. Surgical complications, recurrence rates, and recurrence onset were recorded.
Results:
This study involved 32 primary pterygium eyes (grade T1 = 22 eyes; 68.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 26.4 ± 14.5 months (range: 12-60 months). MMC was applied for 1-3 min. The mean complete epithelialization was 12.6 ± 7.6 days and no surgical complications were observed. In 1 patient with double-head primary pterygium, recurrence occurred at 15-months postoperative.
Conclusions:
The modified bare sclera technique combined with MMC application was found to be safe, effective, and presents good cosmetic appearance for the treatment of primary pterygium when safety points are strictly applied.
Insights
This study shows that a modified bare sclera technique with mitomycin C (MMC) is a safe and effective treatment for primary pterygium, with a low recurrence rate. The procedure offers good cosmetic results and minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Pterygium treatment involves various surgical methods with differing recurrence rates.
- Adjuvant mitomycin C (MMC) shows promise in reducing pterygium recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a modified bare sclera technique for pterygium excision.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining this technique with intraoperative MMC application.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 32 primary pterygium eyes treated between January 2014 and December 2016.
- Utilized a modified bare sclera technique with intraoperative 0.04% MMC application, focusing on preventing MMC dilution and diffusion.
- Recorded surgical complications, recurrence rates, and onset.
Main Results:
- Mean follow-up was 26.4 months. No surgical complications were observed.
- Mean complete epithelialization occurred in 12.6 days.
- One case of recurrence was noted at 15 months in a patient with double-head primary pterygium.
Conclusions:
- The modified bare sclera technique with MMC is safe and effective for primary pterygium treatment.
- Strict adherence to safety protocols ensures good cosmetic outcomes.
- This method demonstrates a low recurrence rate for primary pterygium.
