Fibrin Glue (Tisseel) in Pterygium Surgery: A Narrative Review

Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder with a risk of recurrence following surgical excision. Conjunctival autografting is widely used to reduce recurrence, traditionally secured with sutures. Fibrin glue, including Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA), has been introduced as an alternative method of graft fixation. The objective of the study is to review the current evidence on the use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, with emphasis on surgical outcomes, recurrence rates, postoperative comfort, and complications. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. English-language studies evaluating fibrin glue for conjunctival autograft fixation in pterygium surgery were included. Across multiple studies, fibrin glue fixation was associated with shorter surgical duration and improved early postoperative comfort compared with sutured techniques. Recurrence rates were generally comparable between fibrin glue and sutures. Recent studies and meta-analyses have also demonstrated reduced conjunctival inflammation without an increase in significant complications. Fibrin glue represents a reliable alternative to sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in pterygium surgery. Its use offers advantages in operative efficiency and patient comfort while maintaining acceptable recurrence and safety profiles.