Evolution of Plasma Assisted Non-Invasive Surgery (PANIS) in pterygium treatment

Purpose: In recent years Atmospheric low temperature Plasma (ALTP) used as a new treatment modalities in various medical fields like dermatology, pharmacology, ... and even cancer treatment. The purpose of this study, after proved the safety in animal models is to show that we can use (ALTP) as a non-invasive surgery to treat pterygium .Methods: This study included 10 eyes (10 patients) with pterygium.Based on Maheshwari Grading we have 2 patients with grade 1 pterygium,5 with grade 2 and 3 with grade 3. Six parameters were measured at 1 week,1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery, grading of pterygium ,uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA),height of tear meniscus, corneal fluorescein staining, tear break-up time (TBUT) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) . In this study after releasing of pterygium from the cornea, the released part is fused to the nasal side of the limbus with the help of plasma spots. All patients were treated with short course of topical steroid and antibiotic. The PANIS method was performed by using plasma generator (Plexr, GMV, Italy). Results: During follow up in 7 patients the pterygium stay fused and no complication was reported and in 3 of patients we have recurrence. In all patients the UCVA increased about 2 to 3 line, the height of tear meniscus has not changed, in 70% of patients corneal fluorescein staining is completely cleared, TBUT has no significant change and the average of OSDI is reduced from 60 to 15. Conclusion: Atmospheric Low Temperature Plasma is a new treatment modalities in pterygium surgery and it seems safe and efficient.