# Fibrin Glue (Tisseel) in Pterygium Surgery: A Narrative Review

**Authors:** Senny Chapagain, Hafisha Ali, Mohammed G Aly

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.104088 · Cureus · 2026-02-22

## TL;DR

This review examines the use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, finding it to be a safe and efficient alternative to sutures.

## Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review comparing fibrin glue and sutures for pterygium surgery outcomes.

## Key findings

- Fibrin glue reduces surgical time and improves early postoperative comfort compared to sutures.
- Recurrence rates are similar between fibrin glue and suture techniques.
- Fibrin glue use is associated with less conjunctival inflammation and no significant increase in complications.

## Abstract

Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder with a risk of recurrence following surgical excision. Conjunctival autografting is widely used to reduce recurrence, traditionally secured with sutures. Fibrin glue, including Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA), has been introduced as an alternative method of graft fixation. The objective of the study is to review the current evidence on the use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, with emphasis on surgical outcomes, recurrence rates, postoperative comfort, and complications.

A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. English-language studies evaluating fibrin glue for conjunctival autograft fixation in pterygium surgery were included.

Across multiple studies, fibrin glue fixation was associated with shorter surgical duration and improved early postoperative comfort compared with sutured techniques. Recurrence rates were generally comparable between fibrin glue and sutures. Recent studies and meta-analyses have also demonstrated reduced conjunctival inflammation without an increase in significant complications.

Fibrin glue represents a reliable alternative to sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in pterygium surgery. Its use offers advantages in operative efficiency and patient comfort while maintaining acceptable recurrence and safety profiles.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** pterygium (MONDO:0005085)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** ocular surface disorder (MESH:D010534), Pterygium (MESH:D011625), conjunctival inflammation (MESH:D007249)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13016419/full.md

## References

31 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13016419/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13016419