[Long-term results of autologous conjunctiva-limbus transplantation in pterygium].

Background: Conjunctiva-limbus autografting is known as a safe surgical technique for the removal of pterygia, with a low rate of recurrence. However, the long-term effect of this surgical maneuver is not clear. This study now investigates the long-term efficacy of conjunctiva-limbus autografts to prevent pterygium recurrence.

Methods: Conjunctiva-limbus transplants for primary (n = 62) or recurrent (n = 8) pterygia were reevaluated 11 to 83 months after surgery (mean: 44.97 months). Slit-lamp appearance and photomicrographs were studied with respect to the configuration of the transplant and the recurrence of the fibrovascular tissue typical of pterygia.

Results: Corneal pterygium recurrence has been observed in 2 cases. Fibrovascular tissue was found at the peripheral transplant-margin in 15 cases, and transplant compression towards the limbal margins were detected in further 7 patients. These conjunctival changes have not been observed during the first postoperative months.

Conclusions: Conjunctiva-limbus autografts in pterygia have excellent efficacy against recurrence within the first few years. The transplant compression and fibrovascular changes within the peripheral conjuctiva seen in this study suggest that recurrencies might, however, develop on the long-term.