J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2003 Jul;44(7):1504-1511.

The Effect of Combined Amniotic Membrane and Limbal Transplantation for Recurrent Pterygium or Pseudopterygium

• Park JM
• Ahn HB
• Park WC

Abstract

PURPOSE
We analyzed the effect of amniotic membrane transplantation and limbal autograft or allograft simultaneously for recurrent pterygium or pseudopterygium. METHODS: Total 15 cases of recurrent pterygium and 4 cases of pseudopterygium were surgically managed during September 1998 to June 2002. After excision of pterygium and subconjunctival fibrovascular inflammatory tissue in nasal area to 6-12 o'clock and up to equator of the eyeball, amniotic membrane was grafted on bare sclera and then limbal tissue was transplanted. Recurrence and complications of surgical management were evaluated for 8 months of mean follow-up period. RESULTS: Recurrence was not noted in 15 of 19 eyes, the other 4 eyes were recurred limited in the sclera. Mean epithelial regeneration period was 18 days, and diplopia and extraocular muscle limitation were disappeared after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of difficulties of surgical technique and long operation time, amniotic membrane transplatation with limbal graft in recurrent pterygium or pseudopterytium has low recurrence rate and aesthetic benefit. We suggest that amniotic membrane transplantation with limbal graft and will be useful and safe surgical method for pterygium with high recurrence rate.

MeSH Terms

Allografts
Amnion*
Autografts
Diplopia
Follow-Up Studies
Pterygium*
Recurrence
Regeneration
Sclera
Transplants