Outcome of surgery for recurrent pterygium using intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation

PURPOSE: Preserved human amniotic membrane has been used in reconstruction of the ocular surface. In this paper, we report our method of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for recurrent pterygium. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with recurrent pterygium are reported. All subjects were operated on with an extensive excision of the subconjunctival fibrous tissues followed by application of mitomycin C (0.04%, 3-5 min) during the operation. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed with implantation of conjunctival autograft in cases with a large excision. RESULTS: The mean follow up time was 17.3 +/- 9.3 (mean +/- standard deviation) months. Twelve eyes showed severe symblepharon and 14 patients suffered from double vision before the operation. There were only three mild recurrences (12%), 11 patients recovered from double vision, and no major complications such as sclermalasia were noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: AMT with application of mitomycin C is effective in preventing pterygium recurrence and for improved ocular movement. The cosmetic outcome of our methods has also been satisfactory.