Use of amniotic membrane in recurrent pterygium: a case report

Abstract

Recurrent pterygium poses a clinical challenge due to its high recurrence rate and the limited availability of conjunctival tissue for repeated interventions. This study aimed to describe the use of amniotic membrane in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of a case of recurrent pterygium in a 52-year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and previous pterygium surgery. A clinical case study was conducted, documenting the anatomical characteristics of the pterygium, the surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes during a three-month follow-up. The patient experienced rapid recurrence of grade 2 pterygium accompanied by a conjunctival granuloma, prompting surgical resection and the application of amniotic membrane due to the impossibility of using conjunctival autograft. Postoperative observations showed complete membrane adherence, absence of infection or significant complications, and progressive improvement of symptoms without signs of recurrence. This case highlights the effectiveness of amniotic membrane as a safe and efficient alternative in patients with anatomical or systemic limitations, demonstrating its ability to promote healing and reduce the risk of recurrence when combined with antimetabolite agents like 5-FU. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring therapeutic strategies to individual patient characteristics, optimizing functional outcomes.