Outcome of different techniques of pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting in pediatric population: Our experience in central India

AIM: To analyze surgical outcome of pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting in pediatric population ≤16 years. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case sheet review of 145 patients (167 eyes) aged ≤16 years consecutively presented with pterygium from April 2008 to August 2014 in the single center was done. Twenty-six eyes of 25 children who underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft were analyzed. Different techniques used to secure conjunctival autograft in a position were multiple interrupted 8-0 vicryl sutures, single 8-0 vicryl suture in the center of graft and sutureless glue free. Outcome measures were a failure of surgery and recurrence. RESULTS: Of the total 167 eyes, 26 eyes of 25 children, mean age 13.07 ± 3.08 years (range 7–16 years) were managed surgically with pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. The rest of the patients were managed conservatively. In 18 eyes, the graft was secured with multiple sutures, in 6 eyes with a single suture, whereas in 2 eyes, sutureless glue-free graft opposition was done. Mean follow-up was 8.03 months. No case of graft retraction, graft dehiscence or graft displacement was found. Recurrence occurred in 6 eyes and managed surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of pterygium is not uncommon in the pediatric population. A single suture or sutureless glue-free technique may be good alternative for securing conjunctival autograft after pterygium excision in children.