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

INTRODUCTION: 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. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.