Effect of platelet-rich plasma on postoperative peritoneal inflammation and adhesions

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion is an important complication of abdominopelvic surgery. The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on postoperative intraperitoneal inflammation and adhesions.

Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Cecal incision and suturation was carried out for the experimental model. Intraperitoneally, 3 ml of 0.9% NaCl, 3 ml of PRP, and nothing were applied, and called as saline, PRP, and control groups, respectively. Four subjects in each group were sacrificed at the 3^rd and 7^th days postoperatively. Adhesion formations and giant cell, lymphocyte/plasmocyte, neutrophil, and histiocyte counts were assessed and hydroxyproline levels were measured in all groups and statistical comparisons were performed.

Except giant cell 3^rd day scores, PRP had the lowest adhesion, neutrophil, lymphocyte, plasmocyte, histiocyte and fibrosis scores. Both 3^rd and 7^th days scores of giant cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, plasmocyte, but only 7^th days scores of histiocyte reaction and fibrosis were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hydroxyproline levels were lower in the saline group at the 3^rd day. However, at the 7^th day, the levels were lower in the PRP group and no statistically significant difference was found compared to the saline group 3^rd day levels (p > 0.05).

Platelet-rich plasma has a reducing effect on the postoperative peritoneal adhesions with separation of the damaged tissues, affecting the inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase, plasminogen activation or the other stages of adhesion formation.