To compare two techniques of human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) following pterygium excision: (1) end to end suturing of the amniotic membrane graft (AMG) with the conjunctiva versus (2) a new technique of purse-string suturing of the AMG and tucking of AMG under the free edge of conjunctiva.

Pterygium surgery with human AMT was done in 42 eyes with primary pterygium. Twenty four eyes (group A) underwent end-to-end suturing of AMG with conjunctiva. Eighteen eyes (group B) underwent purse-string suturing of AMG with underlying sclera with free edge of AMG tucked under conjunctiva on three sides. The two groups were compared in terms of the outcome measures, i.e. complete epithelialization time of AMG and recurrence of pterygium within 1 year.

The complete epithelialization of AMG occurred in 21 days (range 14 to 28 days) and 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) in groups A and B respectively. In group A, 7 eyes (29.17%) developed recurrence. In group B, 2 eyes (11.11%) developed recurrence.

Purse string suturing and tucking of AMG resulted in faster epithelization of AMG and lower recurrences in comparison with end to end suturing of AMG in the management of primary pterygium.

Bansal R, Jain AK, Sehgal R. Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in the Treatment of Primary Pterygium: A Comparative Study of Two Techniques. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):1-7.