Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Outcomes of Post-Operative Topical Bevacizumab in Primary Pterygium Surgery: A Case Series

Aditya Sudhalkar and Anand Sudhalkar

Background: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of topical bevacizumab as an postoperative adjunct in reduction of recurrence following primary pterygium surgery with conjunctival graft at a two year follow up.
Methods: Prospective, non randomized case series. Twenty three consecutive patients with primary pterygium, without any ocular or systemic contraindication to bevacizumab were recruited for the study, with informed consent. All patients underwent primary pterygium excision with rotational conjunctival autograft. Postoperative regimen included plain antibiotic eye drops, preservative-free artificial tears from post operative day 1 and topical bevacizumab (1.25 mg/day), from day 4 postoperatively, q.i.d, for 30 days. Primary outcome measure: Recurrence of pterygium and side effects of treatment.
Results: Mean age: 43.12 ± 3.24 years; The mean follow-up was 34.25 ± 2.4 months. Eleven patients were available for the 3 year follow up. None of the patients had a recurrence till the end of follow up. Post operative sequelae of surgery included dellen (2), hyperemia (1) and foreign body sensation (4), all managed. No side effects of topical therapy were noted (dellen occurred before starting bevacizumab therapy).
Conclusion: Topical bevacizumab is a potentially useful, convenient and safe therapy as an adjuvant to pterygium surgery. Its safety and efficacy can be further verified with the help of a randomized trial.