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Intraoperative application of mitomycin C in the surgical treatment of pterygium
Purpose:
To investigate the effectiveness of intraoperative mitomycin C in pterygium surgery.
Methods:
The effectiveness of intraoperatively administered mitomycin C and the occurrence of postoperative complications were evaluated in 17 patients with two recurrences of pterygium. The authors employed the "bare-sclera technique" and placed a sterile sponge soaked in a 0.02% mitomycin C solution intraoperatively in the episcleral space for 3 minutes. The control group (15 patients) underwent only surgical excision. Patients were followed for 21 to 30 months.
Results:
The pterygium recurred in one (5.9%) of the 17 patients in group 1 and in six (40%) of the 15 controls. Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test showed a significant (p = 0.027) reduction of recurrences of pterygium in the group treated intraoperatively with mitomycin C. No serious complications or side effects arose during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
Mitomycin C administered intraoperatively can be considered an effective treatment to improve the success rate after surgical excision.
Insights
Intraoperative mitomycin C significantly reduced pterygium recurrence after surgery. This effective treatment improved surgical success rates with no serious complications observed in patients undergoing pterygium excision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Pterygium is a common eye condition.
- Recurrence after surgical excision remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C in pterygium surgery.
- To assess postoperative complication rates associated with mitomycin C use.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 17 patients receiving intraoperative mitomycin C with the bare-sclera technique.
- A control group of 15 patients underwent surgical excision alone.
- Mitomycin C (0.02%) was applied via a soaked sponge for 3 minutes.
Main Results:
- Pterygium recurrence was significantly lower in the mitomycin C group (5.9%) compared to the control group (40%).
- Statistical analysis confirmed a significant reduction in recurrences (p = 0.027).
- No serious complications or side effects were reported during the 21-30 month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative mitomycin C is an effective adjunct to pterygium surgery.
- It significantly improves the success rate of pterygium excision.
- The treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile.
