Histologic effects of autologous platelet gel in skin flap healing.

OBJECTIVE

To supply animal model data in the area of autologous platelet gel (APG) in the application of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures in which clinical observation purports augmented hemostasis and optimal wound healing.

METHODS

Paired skin flaps were dissected on each side of the backs of 12 New Zealand white rabbits. Prior to suture closure, APG was placed in the wound bed on 1 side (hereinafter, APG wounds), and the wound bed on the other side served as a control. Punch biopsy specimens from each wound were obtained at 1-, 2-, and 3-week intervals and examined by a blinded pathologist.

RESULTS

Histologic analysis revealed increased overall inflammation in the APG wounds, which was significant at week 3 (P = .05). The APG wounds also demonstrated significant increases in subdermal eosinophilia across the study period (P = .01). Neutrophilic and monocytic inflammation both increased over the time interval studied, but neither variable exhibited differences between control and APG wounds. No significant differences were observed in the degree of fibrosis or collagen deposition between the types of wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The APG wounds demonstrated increased inflammation and tissue eosinophilia compared with the control wounds. These findings underscore the observation that concentrated platelets, although autologous, have a definite effect on postsurgical inflammation in a rabbit model.