The Mechanism of Platelet-Rich Plasma Added to Skin FlapPostoperative for the Influence of Skin Flap Survival

Chengyang Dong; Zean Lin; Linsen Fang

doi:10.71321/0x94xp56

Authors

Chengyang Dong Department of Burn, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022,Anhui, China
Zean Lin Department of Burn, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022,Anhui, China
Linsen Fang The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University / Anhui Provincial Public Health Clinical Center Wound Repair and Plastic Surgery ,Hefei 230012,Anhui Province, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71321/0x94xp56

Keywords:

free flap, Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel, Platelet-Rich Plasma, ultrasound contrast, VEGF, CD34

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the effects of postoperative platelet-rich plasma (PRP) supplementation on skin flap survival in a rat model.
Methods: A random-pattern skin flap model was established in rats. During surgery, PRP injection combined with platelet-rich gel (PRG) application was performed. On postoperative day 3, PRP or PRG was supplemented into the flap via uniform point injections. Necrotic area was recorded at postoperative day 7. Flap defect length and terminal edema severity were assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Tissue specimens were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Relative expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) were measured.
Results: The group receiving intraoperative PRP injection combined with PRG application, followed by postoperative PRG supplementation, showed significantly shorter tissue defect lengths and less terminal tissue edema compared to other groups (P<0.01). Relative expression levels of VEGF, PDGF, and CD34 were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Postoperative PRP and PRG supplementation reduced flap defect length and edema severity, increased growth factor expression, and improved flap survival. PRG supplementation produced the most pronounced benefits.

Author Biographies

Chengyang Dong, Department of Burn, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022,Anhui, China

Graduate student in the Department of Burn Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
Zean Lin, Department of Burn, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022,Anhui, China

Graduate student in the Department of Burn Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,Hefei 230022,Anhui, China.
Linsen Fang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University / Anhui Provincial Public Health Clinical Center Wound Repair and Plastic Surgery ,Hefei 230012,Anhui Province, China

Director of the Burn Department, North Campus, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,

Hefei 230012,Anhui Province, China.

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