Pterygium excision with or without postoperative irradiation, a double-blind study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Pterygium is a common ocular condition that can lead to visual impairment.
• Recurrence rates after surgical excision can be high, necessitating effective adjuvant therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative strontium-90 (Sr 90) irradiation in preventing pterygium recurrence.
• To compare recurrence rates between the 'bare sclera' technique alone and with adjuvant irradiation.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind study involving 40 eyes with primary pterygium.
• Group 1: 19 eyes treated with 'bare sclera' excision alone.
• Group 2: 18 eyes treated with 'bare sclera' excision followed by postoperative Sr 90 irradiation on days 1, 7, and 14.

Main Results:

• Pterygium recurrence occurred in 68% (13/19) of eyes treated with 'bare sclera' excision alone within 4 months.
• No recurrences were observed in the 18 eyes that received postoperative Sr 90 irradiation.
• Lamellar keratoplasty was used for recurrent pterygia with complications; otherwise, 'bare sclera' with irradiation was successful.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative Sr 90 irradiation is highly effective in preventing pterygium recurrence following 'bare sclera' excision.
• This adjuvant therapy offers a safe and successful method to improve outcomes for pterygium surgery.