Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft

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Procedure Description

Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a pterygium—a benign, wing-shaped growth of the conjunctiva that can invade the cornea and affect vision. A pterygium is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, dust, or chronic eye irritation. It can cause redness, irritation, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, and in advanced cases, lead to visual impairment by distorting the corneal surface or obstructing the visual axis.

The surgery not only involves the excision (removal) of the pterygium but also a conjunctival autograft, which is a technique where a piece of the conjunctiva is harvested from a healthy part of the eye and transplanted onto the area where the pterygium was removed. This method significantly reduces the chances of recurrence, which is a common issue if the pterygium is simply removed without any further intervention.

Conjunctival autograft transplantation is widely considered the gold standard for pterygium removal due to its superior outcomes in reducing the recurrence rate, faster healing process, and more favorable aesthetic results compared to other techniques, such as simple excision or the use of amniotic membrane grafts.

Procedure Duration

The duration of the pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft generally varies depending on the size and complexity of the pterygium. On average, the surgical procedure lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the eye and allows the patient to remain awake during the procedure without feeling any pain.

The operation itself begins with the removal of the pterygium tissue from the cornea and conjunctiva. The surgeon then takes a thin layer of healthy conjunctiva from another part of the same eye, usually from the upper area. This graft is carefully transplanted onto the site where the pterygium was excised and held in place using either sutures or surgical glue. The choice between sutures and glue depends on the surgeon's preference and the specific case.

The recovery phase is generally quick. Patients are often able to return home on the same day of the surgery. The eye is usually covered with a patch or shield for the first day or two to protect it from infection and accidental rubbing. The postoperative period involves regular use of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Most patients experience some discomfort, redness, and irritation during the first week, which gradually resolves. A complete recovery and return to normal activities typically take 2-4 weeks.

Benefits

  • Reduced Recurrence Rates: The use of conjunctival autograft greatly decreases the likelihood of pterygium regrowth.
  • Improved Aesthetics: The surgery provides better cosmetic outcomes with a more natural appearance of the eye compared to other techniques.
  • Quick Procedure and Recovery: The operation is brief, and the recovery period allows patients to resume normal activities within a few weeks.
  • Symptom Relief: Provides relief from irritation, redness, and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
  • Visual Improvement: Helps restore vision if the pterygium has caused visual impairment by reducing corneal distortion or obstruction.

Potential Destinations

For patients seeking affordable and high-quality pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft, several destinations around the world are known for their advanced ophthalmic care and medical tourism infrastructure. Here are five potential destinations:

  • Thailand: Thailand has become a leading destination for ophthalmic procedures due to its state-of-the-art facilities, experienced surgeons, and cost-effective services. Renowned for its quality healthcare system and welcoming approach to medical tourists, Thailand offers luxury healthcare experiences at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries.
  • India: With its highly skilled ophthalmologists and technologically advanced eye centers, India has become a popular destination for pterygium surgery. The country provides high standards of care and affordable prices. Many hospitals in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have special international patient departments to facilitate a smooth experience for medical tourists.
  • Turkey: Turkey boasts modern healthcare facilities and highly qualified eye surgeons. The country has made significant advancements in eye care, making it a great option for pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft. Additionally, Turkey's geographical location makes it an accessible destination for patients traveling from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • Mexico: For patients based in North America, Mexico is an attractive option due to its proximity, cost-effectiveness, and quality of care. Mexico’s healthcare system has a variety of clinics and hospitals with specialized ophthalmology departments that cater to international patients seeking pterygium surgery.
  • Spain: Known for its high standards in healthcare and highly skilled eye surgeons, Spain is a destination where patients can receive excellent care for pterygium excision. Spanish eye clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and offer a seamless experience for medical tourists, making it a top choice in Europe for those seeking specialized eye treatments.

Risks & Considerations

  • Recurrence of Pterygium: Despite the reduced recurrence rates with the use of a conjunctival autograft, there is still a small chance that the pterygium could grow back.
  • Infection or Inflammation: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection or inflammation following surgery, which needs to be promptly managed with medications.
  • Corneal Scarring: In some cases, the removal of a pterygium may lead to scarring on the cornea, which can affect vision and may require additional treatment.
  • Visual Disturbances: While the goal is to improve vision, there may be a temporary or, in rare cases, permanent visual disturbance, particularly if the cornea is affected.
  • Discomfort or Pain: Postoperative discomfort, redness, and a sensation of dryness or foreign body are common in the first week and should subside with proper postoperative care.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

Selecting a qualified doctor and reputable hospital for pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft is crucial for a successful outcome. Patients should look for an ophthalmologist with extensive experience in corneal surgeries and a specialization in pterygium management. It’s advisable to check for board certification, years of experience, patient reviews, and the doctor’s involvement in continuous medical education and research.

For hospitals, it is essential to choose a facility known for its state-of-the-art ophthalmology department and adherence to international standards of care. Look for hospitals that are well-reviewed, have robust protocols for patient safety, and are transparent about the treatment plan, costs, and potential outcomes. Additionally, selecting a hospital with a dedicated international patient department can significantly enhance the overall experience for medical tourists, offering services such as language support, accommodation assistance, and streamlined care coordination.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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