Compressed continuous suture versus conventional suture for conjunctival graft fixation in pterygium surgery

Comparison of Compression Continuous Suture Versus Conventional Suture for Autologous Conjunctival Implant Fixation in Primary Pterygium Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Tianjin Eye Hospital · NCT07244276

This trial will see if a compressed continuous suture or a conventional suture is better at securing an autologous conjunctival graft and reducing symptoms after primary pterygium surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorTianjin Eye Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality)
Trial IDNCT07244276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center interventional trial at Tianjin Eye Hospital compares two techniques for fixing autologous conjunctival grafts after excision of primary pterygium: a compressed continuous suture and a conventional suture method. Adults with primary pterygium that invades the cornea by 2–5 mm and without prior eye surgery or active ocular inflammation are eligible. Outcomes include graft stability, postoperative discomfort and inflammation, complications (such as granuloma or hemorrhage), ease and timing of suture removal, and pterygium recurrence. Participants receive one of the two suture techniques during surgery and are followed at scheduled postoperative visits to compare healing, symptoms, and recurrence rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with primary pterygium invading 2–5 mm of the cornea who have not had prior eye surgery, have no active ocular inflammation, and can attend regular follow-up visits.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent or pseudopterygium, a history of prior eye surgery, active ocular inflammation, or inability to comply with follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the compressed continuous suture could reduce postoperative irritation and inflammation, simplify the procedure and suture removal, and lower the chance of pterygium coming back.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research indicates that suture technique and alternatives like fibrin glue can influence comfort and recurrence after pterygium surgery, but direct comparisons of compressed continuous suture versus conventional suture are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of primary pterygium according to diagnostic criteria;
2. The pterygium head invades the cornea by 2-5mm;
3. The patient agrees to the surgical treatment and signs the surgical consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of previous eye surgery;
2. Have active ocular inflammatory lesions;
3. recurrent and pseudopterygium;
4. The patient refuses surgery or is unable to have regular follow-ups

Where this trial is running

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Primary PterygiumCompression Continuous SutureConventional Suture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.