A new technique for pterygium excision: air-assisted dissection.

PURPOSE: To introduce a new technique which aids to remove the pterygium head and facilitates the establishment of a smooth and clear corneal surface without extra scraping or polishing.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We used 12 eyes of 12 patients undergoing pterygium excision. Air was injected into the side of the cap of the pterygium head with a 30-gauge needle, to create a dissection plane between the pterygium head and the cornea. After blunt dissection and excision of the pterygium, the conjunctival autograft technique was applied. Complications, postoperative smoothness and clarity of the cornea, and the recurrence rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Dissection with air was successfully performed in 9 eyes (75%) in which blunt dissection was carried out easily. The corneas were clear and smooth postoperatively. In 3 eyes (25%) dissection with air was not completely successful, and scraping with a crescent blade had to be performed. One of the eyes with incomplete air dissection could not be clearly scraped. No major complications were observed. The recurrence rate was 8.3% (1 eye).

CONCLUSION

This new technique is a safe, easy and cheap method for removing the pterygium head from the corneal surface, which also facilitates the establishment of a clear and smooth corneal surface.