Prospective study of primary pterygium surgery using pterygium extended removal followed by extended conjunctival transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate of recurrence and complications after primary pterygium removal with the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM (pterygium extended removal followed by extended conjunctival transplantation) technique.

DESIGN: A case series study of the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique was conducted by 1 surgeon with a 1-year follow-up to assess the recurrence and complication rate.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty consecutive primary pterygium removals.

INTERVENTION: A major modification of conjunctival autograft surgery was used to treat primary pterygia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The recurrence rate and complications after excision of primary pterygia using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique.

RESULTS: One patient had a vascularized delle listed as a recurrence from among 250 consecutive patients (0.4%). The mean study follow-up period was 462+/-172 days. No patient lost best-corrected vision.

CONCLUSIONS: The P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique results in a near 0% recurrence rate with minimal complications and a good cosmetic appearance.