Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane for Pterygium Surgery: Literature Review and Feasibility Assessment

Cureus. 2021 Sep 11;13(9):e17884. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17884. eCollection 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Pterygium is a common ocular disease caused by abnormal cellular proliferation leading to abnormal fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva. The main treatment is surgical removal; however, despite the improvement of surgical techniques and development of adjuvant therapies, postoperative recurrence, which can be as high as 89%, remains a challenge. Currently, pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft remains the preferred surgical technique, although there is no gold standard technique to prevent pterygium recurrence. We have conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the scientific literature regarding the use of PRF membranes in pterygium surgery. We aim to assess the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of platelet-rich fibrin membrane for primary pterygium surgery and assess its possible benefits in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: ocular; platelet-rich membrane; pterygium; repair; surgery.

Publication types

  • Review