Objective: To examine the recurrence rate after pterygium excision with amniotic membrane grafting surgery comparing between Vicryl 8/0 (fixation group) and Nylon 10/0 (non fixation group).

Design: Prospective randomized study

Materials: A prospective study in pterygium patients undergone surgery randomized into Vicryl 8/10 or Nylon 10/0 suture techniques performed at Thammasat hospital during July 2014 to April 2017. Pterygium grading was classified by modified from Tan’s classification. Furthermore, The patient’s age, gender and risk factors for recurrence (occupation, history of previous pterygium surgery, size of the pterygium) were recorded in preoperative period and followed up for signs of pterygium recurrence at 1, 3, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. The results were analysed by paired t-test. Recurrence and complication were observed until April 2017 and analysed by Chi-square test.

Results: There were 132 eyes of 132 patients included in this study (67 females and 65 males; age range of 21-75 years, mean 56.136). 66 eyes were operated with Vicryl fixed technique and 66 eyes without Vicryl fixed technique. The recurrence rate was 19.69% in Nylon group (without vicryl fixed technique) and 28.78% in the Vicryl group. The vicryl group had a higher recurrence rate than the nylon group. There was a significant difference in pterygium recurrence between the fixation and non-fixation group at 3 months and 12 months follow up P=0.42 and 0.29 respectively. No serious complications were found in either group.

Conclusion: Fixation group (Vicryl technique) showed the recurrence rate of pterygium is

significantly different compared with the non fixation group (Nylon technique) at 3 months (P=0.42) and 12 month (P=0.29). Age, gender and outdoor activity were not found to be significant factors affecting the recurrence of pterygium.