title: Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of subcutaneous venous access device scars: a head-to-head patient survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a product widely used in sports medicine, tissue repair, and general surgery. A recent meta-analysis showed this product to be beneficial when introduced into a wound area, be it intra-articular (i.e., joint-injections) or direct introduction onto the wound surface.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between the years of 2012 and 2014 a questionnaire evaluating surgical outcome after port (venous access device) removal was answered by 100 patients in the control group and 20 patients in a PRP group, leading to a total of 120 patients in this single center, retrospective, subjective outcome evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistical difference was shown in postsurgical complication rates, postsurgical pain, decreased mobility, and overall quality of life. A significant difference was shown in overall patient satisfaction and the desire to further improve port area scarring. Results differed significantly in favor of the PRP group. Interestingly, approximately 40.2% of patients are dissatisfied with the surgical outcome after port removal in the control group. This result, though surprising, may be improved to 10% dissatisfaction when a PRP product is used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PRP products such as Arthrex ACP are safe to use and present an additional option in improving surgical outcome.
authors: Breast Cancer Center, Municipal Hospital Holweide, 51067 Cologne, Germany ; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal Hospital Holweide, 51067 Cologne, Germany.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Eichler
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Helios Klinikum, 53721 Siegburg, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Najafpour
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Dueren GmbH, 52351 Dueren, Germany.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sauerwald
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Puppe
authors: Breast Cancer Center, Municipal Hospital Holweide, 51067 Cologne, Germany ; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Warm
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014680:Veins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects