Effect of Stem Cell Implantation on Recurrence of Pterygium After Its Surgical Excision

Background: Wing-shaped conjunctiva and fibrovascular tissue on the superficial cornea are the results of ptreygium, a basophilic degenerative process. It is characterized by an antecedent bowman layer dissolution and shares the same pathogenesis as pinguecula. The objective of this study was to study the impact of stem cell implantation on the recurrence of pterygium following its surgical excision. Methods: This randomized controlled trial, hospital-based study was carried out on 50 eyes of patients with pterygium at the hospital of Beni Suef University. The studied patients were divided randomly into 2 equal groups: Study group: patients with pterygium undergoing surgical excision then stem cell implantation. Control group: patients with pterygium undergoing surgical excision without stem cell implantation. Results: There was statistically significant difference between the studied cases as regard graft edema, conjunctival irritation, chemosis and transient intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations. Conclusions: This study investigated the effect of stem cell implantation on recurrence pterygium after its surgical excision. 50 eyes of patients with pterygium. A sector of corneal limbus containing stem cells nests is implanted in the pterygium bed after its excision to allow for better healing of the corneo-scleral tissue. The stem cells tissue was collected from sclera-corneal grafts used for replacement of opacified corneas in patients with corneal opacity. After pterygium excision, it was determined that stem cell grafting did not result in any significant postoperative complications. In terms of cosmetic appearance, stem cell transplantation is more successful and has a lower recurrence rate than uncomplicated surgical excision..