To analyze the long-term clinical outcomes after use of fibrin glue using a modified mini-flap technique for pterygium surgery.

This study is a retrospective, clinical outcome study of 148 subjects that underwent the modified mini-flap technique with fibrin glue from January 2014 to August 2015. We analyzed the recurrence rate and surgical time of modified mini-flap surgery with fibrin glue. We also analyzed associating factors between the recurrence group and non-recurrence group who underwent the same surgery technique.

Mean age was 60.2 ± 1.1 (ranging from 29 to 86) years, and mean surgical time was 11.8 ± 5.8 (ranging from 5 to 36) minutes. The recurrence rate of pterygium patients who underwent the fibrin glue using a modified mini-flap technique was 4.0% (6/148), and the re-operation rate was 0.6% (1/148). From the comparison of associating factors between recurred and non-recurred groups, the recurred group was younger, had more severe disease, and had a higher rate of bilaterality than the non-recurred group ( p < 0.05).

The new approach using fibrin glue with a modified mini-flap technique shows a low recurrence rate compared to the other type of pterygium surgery. The use of fibrin glue shortened operation time and decreased patient discomfort due to fewer remnant sutures. Fibrin glue use in a modified mini-flap technique can be considered as a feasible surgical option for pterygium patients.