Removal of Benign Conjunctival Naevus by Argon Laser Photocoagulation compared to Surgical Excision

Abstract

Background : Conjunctival naevus is a widespread benign eye tumor. Surgical excision or argon laser photocoagulation are the choice of treatment for super fi cial and deep conjunctival naevi. Purpose : The purpose of this study is to compare between surgical excision and argon laser photoablation of conjunctival naevus concerning safety, ef fi cacy and postremoval complications. Patients and methods : A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Ophthalmology Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt in the period from January 2022 to January 2023. 40 patients with benign pigmented conjunctival naevi were included and formed two groups; group (1) included 20 patients and used argon laser photocoagulation for removal of conjunctival naevi, while group (2) included 20 patients and surgical excision of conjunctival naevi was done. Results : As regard to postremoval complications, recurrence of naevi occurred in group (1) only, dry eye was higher in argon laser ablation than surgical excision (15% vs. 5%), conjunctival in fl ammation was higher in excision than argon laser (20% vs. 10%), and scaring occurred in surgical excision group only. Unsatisfaction was higher in surgical excision than laser ablation. Also, there were statistically signi fi cant difference between both groups as regard to complications. Conclusion : Argon laser ablation is a simple and ef fi cient treatment of benign conjunctival naevi and may be used in chosen patients instead of a traditional surgical technique.