Platelet rich plasma improves the healing process after airway anastomosis

This study investigated whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes healing and reduces anastomotic complications following airway surgery in a pig model. PRP was obtained by spinning down the animal's own blood (60 ml) and collecting the buffy coat containing platelets and white blood cells. Fifteen adult pigs were randomized into three groups: (1) sham treatment (cervicotomy), (2) non-PRP group (50% tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis), and (3) PRP group (50% tracheal resection, end-to-end anastomosis and PRP application). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at one, six and 24. Animals were monitored for anastomotic complications, infection and local reactivity. Laser Doppler flowmetry was performed intraoperatively and at 30 days to assess differences in pre- and post-anastomotic blood flow. The tensile strength of the anastomosis was also tested. The platelet level was higher in PRP fluid than in the baseline blood sample (P<0.002). Vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β-1 and epidermal growth factor immunoassay readings peaked at one and six hours in the animals that had received PRP (P<0.03); these also showed significantly increased transanastomotic flow and stress-strain resistance (P<0.04) at 30 days than the animals that had not received PRP. PRP therefore, accelerates the onset of healing in airway surgery by promoting an earlier release of platelet-derived growth factors that stimulate transanastomotic angiogenesis.