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-richfibrin (PRF) on the intestinal anastomoticwound healing in amesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ratmodel. Methods. Fortymale SpragueDawley ratswere allocated into four groups: Group I (n = 10): anastomosis to normal bowel; Group II (n = 10): anastomosis after I/Rinjury; Group III (n = 10): anastomosis and PRF; Group IV: anastomosis after I/Rand PRF. Animalswere followed up for 7 days, then sacrificed. Anastomotic complications, anastomosis bursting pressures and histopathologic evaluations of the anastomoseswere the study parameters. Results. The I/Rinjury causedmore anastomotic adhesion and very lowanastomotic bursting pressure when compared with the other groups (p < 0.01). Application ofPRF 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 wasmore prominent, particularlywhen 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.