Comparison of Recurrence Rate in Excision of Conjunctival Rhinosporidiosis Mass with and without Cauterization of Base: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim: To compare the recurrence rate of conjunctival rhinosporidiosis mass excision, with and without cauterization of base.

Study Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, CIMS, Bilaspur (C.G), India. (Feb 2018-Dec 2019)

Methodology: Twenty patients (5-25years) who presented with conjunctival mass clinically diagnosed as ocular rhinosporidiosis were included in this study. Patients were recruited from OPD ophthalmology CIMS, Bilaspur (C.G). Patients were divided on alternate basis into two groups. Each group had 10 patients. Group1 included excisions with cauterization of base with wet field cautery and group 2 included excisions without cautery. All the procedures and post-operative evaluation were done by the same surgeon. These two groups were compared for recurrence of mass at the same site and other sites. Post-operative evaluation was done at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.

Results: Patients’ age ranged between 5-15 years were more in both groups. There were more males than females and majority of them lived in rural areas where pond water was the only accessible portable water. Lower lid palpebral conjunctiva was more involved. The mean duration of lesion was similar in both groups. All the patients were examined at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively, to check for recurrence at the same site by the same surgeon. The ear, nose and throat was examined by an otolaryngologist. No recurrence was found after 6 months of the procedure at ocular and extra-ocular sites.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that in cases of rhinosporidiosis mass of palpebral conjunctiva, total excision of mass without cauterization of base is as effective as with cauterization of base.