Application of a novel computer-assisted surgery system in percutaneous nephrolithotomy:A controlled study

BACKGROUND Most complex renal stones are managed primarily with percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL).However,PCNL is still a great challenge for surgeons because of poor comprehension on complex adjacent structures.Novel techniques are required to assist in planning and navigation.AIM To apply and evaluate the Hisense computer-assisted surgery(CAS)system in PCNL.METHODS A total of 60 patients with complex renal stones were included.Thirty patients in the CAS group had three-dimensional(3 D)virtual models constructed with the CAS system.The model assisted in planning and navigating in the CAS system.Thirty patients in the control group planned and navigated as standard PCNL,without the application of the CAS system.Success rate of one attempt,operation time,initial stone-free rate,decrease in hemoglobin,and complications were collected and analyzed.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics or planning characteristics.The success rate of one puncturing attempt(90%vs 67%,P=0.028)and the initial stone-free rate(87%vs 63%,P=0.037)were significantly higher in the CAS group.However,there were no statistically significant differences in the operation time(89.20±29.60 min vs 92.33±33.08 min,P=0.859)or in the decrease in hemoglobin(11.07±8.32 g/L vs 9.03±11.72 g/L,P=0.300)between the CAS group and the control group.No statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications(Clavien-Dindo grade≥2)were found.CONCLUSION Compared with standard PCNL,CAS-assisted PCNL had advantages in terms of the puncturing success rate and stone-free rate.The Hisense CAS System was recommended to assist in preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation for an intuitive,precise and convenient PCNL.

Computer-assisted Surgery for Scaphoid Fracture

The computer-assisted surgery (CAS)has significantly improved the accuracy, reliability and outcomes of traumatic,spinal,nerve surgery and many other operations with a less invasive way.The application of CAS for scaphoid fractures remains experimental.The related studies are scanty and most of them are cadaver researches.Some intrinsic defects from the registration procedure,scan and immobilization of limbs may inevitably result in deviations. Some deviations become more obvious with operations of small bones (such as scaphoid)although they are acceptable for spine and other orthopedic surgeries.We reviewed the current literatures on the applications of CAS for scaphoid operation and summarized technical principles,scan and registration methods,immobilization of limbs and their outcomes.On the basis of the data,we analyzed the limitations of this technique and envisioned its future development.

Computer-Assisted Surgery for Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Patient-Specific Titanium Mesh Tray and Particulate Cancellous Bone and Marrow

Craniomaxillofacial surgery is difficult due to the complexity of the regional anatomy. Computer-assisted surgery is a promising tool aiming to improve the safety and precision of such surgery. A computer-assisted surgical navigation approach for reconstruction of mandibular defects using a patient-specific titanium mesh tray and particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) harvested from bilateral anterior ilia is proposed. This case report involves a large multicystic ameloblastoma affecting the right mandible of a 31-year-old male patient. Following detailed clinical examination, radiological interpretation, and histopathological diagnosis, computer-assisted surgical simulation with a virtual 3-dimensional (3-D) model was designed using surgical planning software based on the pre-operative computed tomography data. Long-span segmental resection of the mandible was planned, and the defect was analyzed for reconstruction using a patient-specific reconstruction titanium mesh tray mediated with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. During the actual surgery, the ultrasonic bone cutting instrument in the surgeon’s hand was connected to the navigation system to touch an anatomical position on the patient. Therefore, osteotomies were performed finely and smoothly according to the navigation images of the cutting bone line by sequentially moving the instrument. Finally, a CAD/CAM-mediated titanium mesh tray condensed by PCBM was adapted to the remaining mandibular fragments. Six months postoperatively, the patient had a good mandibular configuration and facial contour. Integration of different technologies, such as software planning and 3-D surgical simulation, combined with intraoperative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques, provides safe and precise mandibular reconstruction surgery.

Computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection for hepatoblastoma in proximity to the major liver vasculature

BACKGROUND The management of hepatoblastoma(HB)becomes challenging when the tumor remains in close proximity to the major liver vasculature(PMV)even after a full course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).In such cases,extreme liver resection can be considered a potential option.AIM To explore whether computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection is safe and feasible for children with HB who still have PMV after a full course of NAC.METHODS We retrospectively collected data from children with HB who underwent surgical resection at our center from June 2013 to June 2023.We then analyzed the detailed clinical and three-dimensional characteristics of children with HB who still had PMV after a full course of NAC.RESULTS Sixty-seven children diagnosed with HB underwent surgical resection.The age at diagnosis was 21.4±18.8 months,and 40 boys and 27 girls were included.Fifty-nine(88.1%)patients had a single tumor,39(58.2%)of which was located in the right lobe of the liver.A total of 47 patients(70.1%)had PRE-TEXT III or IV.Thirty-nine patients(58.2%)underwent delayed resection.After a full course of NAC,16 patients still had close PMV(within 1 cm in two patients,touching in 11 patients,compressing in four patients,and showing tumor thrombus in three patients).There were 6 patients of tumors in the middle lobe of the liver,and four of those patients exhibited liver anatomy variations.These 16 children underwent extreme liver resection after comprehensive preoperative evaluation.Intraoperative procedures were performed according to the preoperative plan,and the operations were successfully performed.Currently,the 3-year event-free survival of 67 children with HB is 88%.Among the 16 children who underwent extreme liver resection,three experienced recurrence,and one died due to multiple metastases.CONCLUSION Extreme liver resection for HB that is still in close PMV after a full course of NAC is both safe and feasible.This approach not only reduces the necessity for liver transplantation but also results in a favorable prognosis.Individualized three-dimensional surgical planning is beneficial for accurate and complete resection of HB,particularly for assessing vascular involvement,remnant liver volume and anatomical variations.

Application and prospects of computer-assisted surgery in oral and maxillofacial oncology

The primary treatment modality for tumors affecting the oral and maxillofacial region is surgery.Surgical treatment of tumors affecting this region is a challenge and poses relatively high surgical risk,especially in lesions affecting the deep regions of the head and the neck due to the complex anatomy of this region including structures of great importance such as the internal carotid artery,the internal jugular vein,and the cavernous sinus at the skull base,the cranial nerves and the orbital contents with the eye globes,extraocular muscles,and the lacrimal gland.Oncologic resection often results in devastating defects in the oral and maxillofacial region,which adversely affect patients’facial appearance and important functions such as speech,chewing,deglutition,or vision and significantly impact patients’quality of life.In order to obtain a good result concerning tumor excision in the oral and cranio-maxillofacial region as well as a correct aesthetic and functional reconstruction,an adequate presurgical evaluation of the patient and accurate planning of the surgical resection and the reconstructive approach must be carefully designed.

Computer-assisted rescue of the inferior mesenteric artery in a child with a giant ganglioneuroblastoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Ganglioneuroblastoma(GNB)is a peripheral neuroblastoma(NB)with malignant degree between highly malignant NB and benign ganglioma(GN).Pathology is the gold standard of diagnosis.Although GNB is not uncommon in children,biopsy alone may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis,especially for giant tumors.However,surgical resection may be associated with significant complications.Here,we report a case of computer-assisted surgical resection of a giant GNB in a child and successful rescue of the inferior mesenteric artery.CASE SUMMARY A 4-year-old girl was admitted to our department for a giant retroperitoneal lesion,which was considered to be an NB by her local hospital.The symptoms of the girl disappeared spontaneously without treatment.On physical examination,a mass of about 10 cm×7 cm could be palpated in her abdomen.Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed in our hospital also showed an NB,and there was a very thick blood vessel inside the tumor.However,aspiration biopsy revealed GN.Surgical resection is the best treatment option for this giant benign tumor.For precise preoperative evaluation,threedimensional reconstruction was performed.It was clear that the tumor was close to the abdominal aorta.The superior mesenteric vein was pushed forward,and the inferior mesenteric artery passed through the tumor.Because GN generally does not invade blood vessels,we split the tumor with a CUSA knife during the operation and found that there was indeed a straight and intact vascular sheath.Arterial pulsation was observed in the completely exposed inferior mesenteric artery.The pathologists interpreting the tissue finally diagnosed it as a mixed GNB(GNBi),which is more malignant than GN.However,both GN and GNBi usually have a good prognosis.CONCLUSION This was a case of successful surgical resection of a giant GNB,and aspiration biopsy underestimated the pathological staging of the tumor.Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction assisted with the radical resection of the tumor and rescue of the inferior mesenteric artery.

Retinal vascular diameter changes assessed with a computer-assisted software after strabismus surgery

AIM: To quantitatively investigate the retinal vascular diameter changes, analyzing the early and long-term effects on the retinal circulation, with 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Patients underwent horizontal strabismus surger y were enrolled prospectively. Retinal vessel diameters on color fundus photographs were assessed before and 1, 7 d, 6 mo after surgery, using a computerassisted quantitative assessment software. To evaluate the retinal vascular caliber changes, retinal vascular diameters were calculated by means of the Parr–Hubbard formula as the central retinal arteriolar equivalent(CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent(CRVE). The arteriovenous ratio(AVR) was calculated as CRAE divided by CRVE. RESULTS: A total of 154 eyes of 104 consecutive patients were included. Compared with the data before surgery(121.55±24.67), the mean CRAE(131.18±28.29) significantly increased 1 d af ter surger y(P=0.003), but went back to baseline level at 7 d(118.89±30.35, P=0.15), and 6 mo(123.22±15.32, P=0.60), so did the AVR(P<0.001, P=0.08, P=0.07). As for the mean CRVE, there was no significant difference between those four time points(172.43±33.25, 175.57±36.98, 174.03±40.18, 174.86±20.46, P=1.00). CONCLUSION: Strabismus surgery on both lateral and media rectus muscles, or single media rectus muscle may increase retinal blood flow during the early postoperative period, but would return to normal later. The number of transected anterior ciliary arteries rather might be the main cause of retinal hemodynamic changes early after strabismus surgery.

New direction for surgery:Super minimally invasive surgery

The top goal of modern medicine is treating disease without destroying organ structures and making patients as healthy as they were before their sickness.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has dominated the surgical realm because of its lesser invasiveness.However,changes in anatomical structures of the body and reconstruction of internal organs or different organs are common after traditional surgery or MIS,decreasing the quality of life of patients post-operation.Thus,I propose a new treatment mode,super MIS(SMIS),which is defined as“curing a disease or lesion which used to be treated by MIS while preserving the integrity of the organs”.In this study,I describe the origin,definition,operative channels,advantages,and future perspectives of SMIS.

Indocyanine green:The guide to safer and more effective surgery

In this editorial we comment on the article by Kalayarasan and co-workers published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.The authors present an interesting review on the use of indocyanine green fluo-rescence in different aspects of abdominal surgery.They also highlight future perspectives of the use of indocyanine green in mini-invasive surgery.Indo-cyanine green,used for fluorescence imaging,has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is safe for use in humans.It can be administered in-travenously or intra-arterially.Since its advent,there have been several advance-ments in the applications of indocyanine green,especially in the surgical field,such as intraoperative mapping and biopsy of sentinel lymph node,measurement of hepatic function prior to resection,in neurosurgical cases to detect vascular anomalies,in cardiovascular cases for patency and assessment of vascular ab-normalities,in predicting healing following amputations,in helping visualization of hepatobiliary anatomy and blood vessels,in reconstructive surgery,to assess flap viability and for the evaluation of tissue perfusion following major trauma and burns.For these reasons,the intraoperative use of indocyanine green has become common in a variety of surgical specialties and transplant surgery.Co-lorectal surgery has just lately begun to adopt this technique,particularly for perfusion visualization to prevent anastomotic leakage.The regular use of in-docyanine green coupled with fluorescence angiography has recently been pro-posed as a feasible tool to help improve patient outcomes.Using the best available data,it has been shown that routine use of indocyanine green in colorectal surgery reduces the rates of anastomotic leak.The use of indocyanine green is proven to be safe,feasible,and effective in both elective and emergency scenarios.However,additional robust evidence from larger-scale,high-quality studies is essential before incorporating indocyanine green guided surgery into standard practice.

Safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery-based management model for ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures

BACKGROUND There is still some room for optimizing ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures,and the preoperative and postoperative management quality for pediatric patients needs to be improved.AIM To discuss the safety and feasibility of the enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)-based management model for ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures.METHODS We selected 320 pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory surgery from June 2023 to January 2024 at The First People’s Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.Of these,220 received ERAS-based management(research group)and 100 received routine management(control group).General information,postoperative ambulation activities,surgical outcomes(operation time,postoperative gastro-intestinal ventilation time,and hospital stay),postoperative pain visual analogue scale,postoperative complications(incision infection,abdominal distension,fever,nausea,and vomiting),and family satisfaction were compared.RESULTS The general information of the research group(sex,age,disease type,single parent,family history,etc.)was comparable to that of the control group(P>0.05),but the rate of postoperative(2 h,4 h,and 6 h after surgery)ambulation activities was statistically higher(P<0.01),and operation time,postoperative gastrointestinal ventilation time,and hospital stay were markedly shorter(P<0.05).The research group had lower visual analogue scale scores(P<0.01)at 12 h and 24 h after surgery and a lower incidence of total postoperative complications than the control group(P=0.001).The research group had higher family satisfaction than the control group(P=0.007).CONCLUSION The ERAS-based management model was safe and feasible in ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures and worthy of clinical promotion.

Parallel pathways:A chronicle of evolution in rectal and breast cancer surgery

In this editorial,we have analyzed the historical evolution of rectal and breast cancer surgery,focusing on the progressive reduction of demolitive approaches and the increasing use of more conservative strategies,accompanied by a growing emphasis on perioperative treatments aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes.All of these changes have been made possible due to an increased awareness and understanding of oncological diseases and improved perioperative treatments.

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision during Surgery: Discussing Laparoscopic Images with ChatGPT4—Preliminary Results

Introduction: Ultrafast latest developments in artificial intelligence (ΑΙ) have recently multiplied concerns regarding the future of robotic autonomy in surgery. However, the literature on the topic is still scarce. Aim: To test a novel AI commercially available tool for image analysis on a series of laparoscopic scenes. Methods: The research tools included OPENAI CHATGPT 4.0 with its corresponding image recognition plugin which was fed with a list of 100 laparoscopic selected snapshots from common surgical procedures. In order to score reliability of received responses from image-recognition bot, two corresponding scales were developed ranging from 0 - 5. The set of images was divided into two groups: unlabeled (Group A) and labeled (Group B), and according to the type of surgical procedure or image resolution. Results: AI was able to recognize correctly the context of surgical-related images in 97% of its reports. For the labeled surgical pictures, the image-processing bot scored 3.95/5 (79%), whilst for the unlabeled, it scored 2.905/5 (58.1%). Phases of the procedure were commented in detail, after all successful interpretations. With rates 4 - 5/5, the chatbot was able to talk in detail about the indications, contraindications, stages, instrumentation, complications and outcome rates of the operation discussed. Conclusion: Interaction between surgeon and chatbot appears to be an interesting frontend for further research by clinicians in parallel with evolution of its complex underlying infrastructure. In this early phase of using artificial intelligence for image recognition in surgery, no safe conclusions can be drawn by small cohorts with commercially available software. Further development of medically-oriented AI software and clinical world awareness are expected to bring fruitful information on the topic in the years to come.

Local recurrence rate as quality indicator in surgery for pancreatic cancer?

To the Editor: As we all know, even with the current advancements regarding novel chemotherapy regimens, patients affected by pancreatic cancer(PC) have an extremely dismal prognosis(5-year survival rate 12% for all stages in the National Cancer Institute SEER database). Among the patients undergoing surgical treatment, the prognosis is mostly affected by recurrence. PC after surgery has mainly four patterns of recurrence, isolated or variously associated with each other: local, lymph nodal, peritoneal or distant(liver, lung, other sites).

Does enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve clinical outcomes in liver cancer surgery?

Enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)programs have been widely applied in liver surgery since the publication of the first ERAS guidelines in 2016 and the new recommendations in 2022.Liver surgery is usually performed in oncological patients(liver metastasis,hepatocellular carcinoma,cholangiocarcinoma,etc.),but the real impact of liver surgery ERAS programs in oncological outcomes is not clearly defined.Theoretical advantages of ERAS programs are:ERAS decreases postoperative complication rates and has been demonstrated a clear relationship between complications and oncological outcomes;a better and faster posto-perative recovery should let oncologic teams begin chemotherapeutic regimens on time;prehabilitation and nutrition actions before surgery should also improve the performance status of the patients receiving chemotherapy.So,ERAS could be another way to improve our oncological results.We will discuss the literature about liver surgery ERAS focusing on its oncological implications and future investigations projects.

Results of the First 10 Cases of Coronary Bypass Surgery in Senegal

This is a review of the first 10 coronary artery bypass surgeries performed by the local team. The mean age was 62 years old [45 - 74]. The patients were predominantly male, with a M/F ratio of 4:1. Cardiovascular risk factors were mainly myocardial infarction (MI) (60%), hypertension (50%), obesity (40%) and diabetes (30%), with at least two risk factors per patient. Angina was the main symptom (80%). The average time from presentation to surgery was 8 months. The mean Euroscore 2 was 2.92 ± 1.65 [1.33 - 6.60]. Coronary angiography revealed an average of 2 lesions per patient, with 3-vessel involvement in 70% of cases: the Interventricular artery (IVA) (100%), the right coronary artery (90%) and the circumflex artery (70%). On echocardiography, the mean Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 59% [33% - 76%]. All patients underwent median sternotomy with bypass grafting. The average duration of the cardiopulmonary bypass was 150 min [46 - 275 min];that of aortic clamping, 120 min [43 - 232 min]. The grafts used were internal thoracic artery (ITA) in 100% of cases (80% on the left and 20% on the right), and the great saphenous vein (GSV) in 60% of cases (50% on the left and 10 on the right). Double bypass was performed in 60% of cases, single bypass in 30% and triple bypass in 10%. The bypasses were performed on the IVA (100%), the middle lateral of the circumflex (30%) and the bisector (20%). The average time to extubation was 11 hours and the length of stay in the intensive care unit was 7 days [03 - 17 days]. One patient had a reoperation on Day 0 post-op. The average hospital stay was 13 days [06 - 27 days]. Complications occurred in nine of the patients (90%), with a predominance of infectious and neurological complications. Overall operative mortality was 3%, all in intensive care.

Transurethral prostate surgery in prostate cancer patients: A population-based comparative analysis of complication and mortality rates

Objective:Prostate cancer(PCa)patients might experience lower urinary tract symptoms as those diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Some of them might be treated for their lower urinary tract symptoms instead of PCa.We aimed to test the effect of PCa versus BPH on surgical outcomes after transurethral prostate surgery,namely complication and mortality rates.Methods:Within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database(2011-2016),we identified patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate,photoselective vaporization,or laser enucleation.Patients were stratified according to postoperative diagnosis(PCa vs.BPH).Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality.A formal test of interaction between diagnosis and surgical technique used was performed.Results:Overall,34542 patients were included.Of all,2008(5.8%)had a diagnosis of PCa.The multivariable logistic regression model failed to show statistically significant higher rates of postoperative complications in PCa patients(odds ratio:0.9,95%confidence interval:0.7-1.1;p=0.252).Moreover,similar rates of perioperative mortality(p=0.255),major acute cardiovascular events(p=0.581),transfusions(p=0.933),and length of stay of more than or equal to 30 days(p=0.174)were found.Additionally,all tests failed to show an interaction between post-operative diagnosis and surgical technique used.Conclusion:Patients diagnosed with PCa do not experience higher perioperative morbidity or mortality after transurethral prostate surgery when compared to their BPH counterparts.Moreover,the diagnosis seems to not influence surgical technique outcomes.

Maxillofacial Surgery Education: Where Is It Heading?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians. Since then, surgeons have treated craniofacial trauma and alveolodental fractures. In 1846, Hullihen performed a mandibular body osteotomy to correct prognathism, marking a significant milestone in the field. Over time, the specialty has evolved significantly. The field of craniofacial surgery has undergone several phases, including its involvement in conflicts during world wars and the treatment of craniofacial fractures and discrepancies. The process of learning and teaching specialties has evolved differently in various countries throughout the 20th century. Currently, there is no uniformity in the training and registration of specialized professionals, resulting in distinct scenarios. Considering the accessibility of scientific knowledge through technology and globalization, it is crucial to provide an objective overview of the current state of education in the field. This paper focuses on effective professional training as the primary subject of residency courses in this specialty. A proposal is presented for education, emphasizing the significance of providing quality professional training that is tailored to the specific legislation of each country.

Don’t forget emergency surgery! Lessons to learn from elective indocyanine green-guided gastrointestinal interventions

Fluorescence-based imaging has found application in several fields of elective surgery,but there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about its use in the emergency setting.Clinical trials have consistently shown that indocyanine green(ICG)-guided surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of postoperative complic-ations,length of in-hospital stay and total healthcare costs in the elective setting.It is well-known that emergency surgery has a higher complication rate than its elective counterpart,therefore an impelling need for research studies to explore,validate and develop this issue has been highlighted.The present editorial aims to provide a critical overview of currently available applications and pitfalls of ICG fluorescence in abdominal emergencies.Furthermore,we evidenced how the experience of ICG-fluorescence in elective surgery might be of great help in implementing its use in acute situations.In the first paragraph we analyzed the tips and tricks of ICG-guided cancer surgery that might be exploited in acute cases.We then deepened the two most described topics in ICG-guided emergency surgery:Acute cholecystitis and intestinal ischemia,focusing on both the advantages and limitations of green-fluorescence application in these two fields.In emergency situations,ICG fluorescence demonstrates a promising role in preventing undue intestinal resections or their entity,facilitating the detection of intestinal ischemic zones,identifying biliary tree anatomy,reducing post-operative complications,and mitigating high mortality rates.The need to improve its application still exists,therefore we strongly believe that the elective and routinary use of the dye is the best way to acquire the necessary skills for emer-gency procedures.

Enhanced recovery after surgery:Progress in adapted pathways for implementation in standard and emerging surgical settings

The concept of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)has been practiced for decades and has been implemented in numerous surgical specialties.ERAS is a global surgical quality improvement initiative,and it is an element in the field of perioperative care.ERAS had shown significant clinical outcomes,patientreported satisfaction,and improvements in medical service cost.ERAS has been developed for specific surgical procedures,but with the fast progress of newly introduced surgical procedures,the original ERAS have been developed and modified.Recently appearing Topics and future research trends encompass ERAS protocols for other types of surgery and the enhancement of perioperative status,including but not limited to pediatric surgery,laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery,bariatric surgery,thoracic surgery,and renal transplantation.The elements and pathways of ERAS have been developed with the introduction of up-to-date methodologies in the pre-operative,operative,and post-operative pathways.ERAS costs are higher than traditional care,but the patient’s clinical outcome and satisfaction are higher.ERAS is in progress in the fields of anesthetic tasks,pediatric surgery,and organ transplantation.Although ERAS has shown significant clinical outcomes,there are needs to modify the protocol for specific cases,hospital facilities,resources,and nurses training on elements of ERAS.Several challenges and limitations exist in the implementation of ERAS that deserve consideration,it includes:Frailty,maximizing nutrition,prehabilitation,treating preoperative anemia,and enhancing ERAS adoption globally are all included.

Z-shaped incision without epithelial resection in pterygium surgery

AIM:To introduce a novel surgical technique using a Z-shaped incision without epithelial resection in ophthalmic pterygia.METHODS:This was a prospective study.During pterygium surgery,all proliferative tissues were separated from the cornea and conjunctiva without resection of the tissues.The unaffected conjunctiva was incised in a Z-shape.The upper(or lower)conjunctival flap was sutured to the lower(or upper)normal conjunctiva on the limbal sclera,while the proliferative tissue was sutured to the upper conjunctiva(or lower)near the fornix.RESULTS:Ten patients with pterygia were eligible for this study.Eight patients with primary pterygia and 2 with recurrent pterygia were included.The age of patients at surgery ranged from 47 to 90y(average:71.9y).Five patients each showed right and left-sided pterygia.The postoperative follow-up periods were from 8 to 78mo(average:25.0mo).The surgery was successfully conducted and wounds were favorably reconstructed in all patients.The proliferative tissues sutured to the normal conjunctiva showed palor and attenuated neovessles,and never showed re-growth after surgery.Nine patients did not show recerrence.Recerrent pterygium was noted in 1 patient,but additional treatments were not required.CONCLUSION:The procedure involves the reconstruction of pterygial tissue and normal conjunctiva using a Z-shaped incision.The scleral limbal wound can be covered with nonaffected conjunctiva without any excision of conjunctival epithelia in patients with primary or recurrent pterygia.