Autologous platelet-rich plasma promising treatment for nonhealing perineal wounds
China: Patients recovering from hemorrhoidectomies often face challenges when it comes to healing perineal wounds. In some cases, these wounds fail to heal for an extended period, causing pain and discomfort for patients. To address this issue, researchers have turned to autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a potential solution for expediting wound healing. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, which release growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and wound healing.
In a recent case study published in Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice by Rong Wang and colleagues, two patients with nonhealing perineal wounds were treated using autologous PRP. Both patients had been experiencing difficulties in wound healing for over two months following their hemorrhoidectomies. The PRP treatment involved collecting peripheral blood from the patients and processing it using a centrifugation system to obtain autologous PRP.
For one patient, the PRP was injected subcutaneously around the wound. The remaining PRP was activated into a gel using thrombin and calcium chloride. This gel was then applied to the wound surface and covered with dressings, with changes performed every five days. The other patient received external treatment with the autologous PRP gel, and dressing changes were administered after one week. Both patients underwent two rounds of PRP treatment. The results were remarkable. Within two weeks, both patients experienced complete recovery, with their wounds fully healed without the need for further intervention. The use of autologous PRP in these cases demonstrated its safety and efficacy in promoting perineal wound healing.
PRP treatment utilizes the regenerative properties of growth factors released by activated platelets. These growth factors facilitate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process. As an autologous blood-derived product, PRP eliminates the risk of adverse reactions or rejection.
The findings from this case study provide valuable insights into the potential of PRP in perineal wound healing. Further research and larger studies are warranted to evaluate its effectiveness and determine optimal treatment protocols. With its promising results, autologous PRP holds great promise as an innovative approach to expedite the healing of nonhealing perineal wounds.
Reference:
Wang, R., Gao, H., Zhao, Z., Li, Y., Qin, L., Liang, S., Zhao, G., & Wang, H. (2023). Autologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of nonhealing perineal wounds: a report of two cases. Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice, 35(5), E169–E172. https://doi.org/10.25270/wnds/22077
