Role of platelet-rich fibrin on intestinal anastomosis wound healing in a rat.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the intestinal anastomotic wound healing in a mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model.

METHODS

Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into four groups: Group I (n = 10): anastomosis to normal bowel; Group II (n = 10): anastomosis after I/R injury; Group III (n = 10): anastomosis and PRF; Group IV: anastomosis after I/R and PRF. Animals were followed up for 7 days, then sacrificed. Anastomotic complications, anastomosis bursting pressures and histopathologic evaluations of the anastomoses were the study parameters.

RESULTS

The I/R injury caused more anastomotic adhesion and very low anastomotic bursting pressure when compared with the other groups (p < 0.01). Application of PRF onto the bowel, however, dramatically decreased the local complications and significantly increased the anastomosis bursting pressures (p < 0.01). Histologic evaluation of the anastomoses showed almost complete healing in all animals. The mean histologic scores of the animals were not different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

PRF has a beneficial effect on the intestinal healing process by prevention of local complications and increases the tensile strain of the anastomosis. This effect was more prominent, particularly when healing is disrupted. Therefore, we conclude that PRF could be an alternative treatment option to prevent anastomotic complications for elderly, co-morbid and emergency patients.