The effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on bronchial stump tissue granulation after pneumonectomy: experimental study.
Objectives. Recent advances in perioperative management, antibiotics, and surgical materials, including mechanical staplers, have decreased the operative risk of pulmonary resection. However, bronchopleural fistula can still occur in some instances, the occurrence often being lethal. This study investigated whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes granulation of the bronchial stump after pneumonectomy. Methods. Ten pigs were randomized into two groups: (A) control or non-PRP group (pneumonectomy) and (B) PRP group (pneumonectomy and PRP application). PRP was obtained by spinning down the animal's own blood and collecting the buffy coat containing platelets and white blood cells. Results. Increased platelet concentration triggered the healing process. The percentage of granulation tissue formed at the stumps was significantly higher in the PRP group of animals. This observation was confirmed when statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test was performed (P = 0.0268). Conclusions. PRP is easily produced with minimal basic equipment and is useful in accelerating granulation of the bronchial stump, although the timing and optimum number of applications in humans require further study. Autologous PRP is a safe, feasible, and reliable new healing promoter with potential therapeutic effects.
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Eleftherios
E
Spartalis
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Periklis
P
Tomos
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Petros
P
Konofaos
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Grigorios
G
Karagkiouzis
Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Georgia
G
Levidou
Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Nikolaos
N
Kavantzas
Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S. Christeas," Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 15B, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Alkistis
A
Pantopoulou
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Othon
O
Michail
Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S. Christeas," Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 15B, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Despina
D
Perrea
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens General Hospital Laiko, Medical School, University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Gregory
G
Kouraklis