AIM: To observe the clinical outcomes of interlocking suture combined with simple continuous suture in pterygium excision with conjunctival translocation.

METHODS:Sixty-two patients(78 eyes)with pterygium from August, 2011 to June, 2014 were randomly divided into two groups with 36 eyes in group A and 42 eyes in group B. Interrupted suture and interlocking suture combined with simple continuous suture were performed in group A and group B respectively. The time taking in suture during surgery and in taking out stitches 1wk after operation were recorded. Suture conjunctival flap time, postoperative 1wk stitching time and foreign body sensation of patients were compared in two groups. Intertion status of conjunctival incision, inflammatory reaction and pterygium recurrence were also observed during the 3mo follow-up.

RESULTS: Eyewinker feeling was much weaker reported by patients in group B than group A at 1, 3d and 1wk postoperatively. The average surgical time was 14.2±3.1min for group A and 10.4±2.5 min for group B(t=5.99, P<0.01). The average time of removing stitches was 9.5±2.2min in group A and 5.3±2.7min in group B(t=7.45, P<0.01). Pterygium recurred in 4 cases in group A and 2 cases in group B. Conjunctival wound dehiscence occurred in 12 cases in group A and 6 cases in group B.

CONCLUSION: Interlocking suture combined with simple continuous suture is a good way of suture in pterygium excision. It can improve the efficiency of operation and removal of the suture and reduce complication and discomfort of the operation.