EFFECTS OF PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN APPLIED TO COLORECTAL SUTURES IN RATS

Introduction The most feared complication in intestinal surgery is anastomotic dehiscence, which is closely related to impaired healing and can occur in 2% to 15% of operated patients. This complication is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, negatively impacts surgical outcomes, increases hospital costs, and worsens the prognosis in oncological cases. Several factors can influence the healing of colonic anastomoses, such as poor nutritional status. The application of biomaterials, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), has been extensively studied due to its significant properties in tissue healing and restoration. The potential beneficial effects of PRF on intestinal healing motivated this study.

Objective To evaluate the effects of PRF on the healing of intestinal sutures in rats.

Materials and Methods Forty rats were divided into four groups. Two groups were fed a standard diet and considered well-nourished (Groups I and II). The other two groups were fed a cornmeal-based diet, which is low in protein, and considered malnourished (Groups III and IV). All animals underwent cecostomy and cecorrhaphy. Groups II and IV had their sutures overlaid with a human PRF membrane. The following parameters were assessed: animal weight, mortality, site of rupture, rupture pressure, collagen concentration, and reticulin concentration at the suture line.

Results The use of PRF did not influence mortality, rupture pressure, or rupture sites in well-nourished animals. In malnourished animals, a significant difference was observed in the rupture site (p=0.038) and reticulin concentration (p=0.040) when PRF was used. While no differences were noted in rupture pressures, there was a trend toward increased collagen concentration in malnourished animals that received the PRF membrane.

Conclusion The use of PRF did not influence healing in well-nourished rats. In malnourished animals, its application favored healing and allowed the colonic suture to demonstrate greater resistance than the colonic wall during rupture pressure testing and rupture site evaluation.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
25 April 2025