Effectiveness of Autologous PRP Versus Conventional Mechanical Fixation on Wounds in Terms of Skin Graft Adhesion & Complications

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of autologous PRP on wounds in terms of skin graft adhesion and complications as compared to conventional fixation techniques.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PIMS, Islamabad, over a period of six months from August 21, 2019 to February 28, 2020. The research was authorized by the Ethics Review Board and Committee ERB no. (F.1-1/2015/ERB/SZABMU/456). Patients were allocated into two groups: Group A received PRP-assisted graft adhesion, obtained through aseptic blood draw, centrifugation, and application to the wound area; Group B underwent conventional fixation with sutures or staples. Graft evaluation and dressing adjustments were performed with dressing changes on the 5th postoperative day.
Results: In Group A (mean age: 34.03±11.07 years) and Group B (mean age: 30.55±11.81 years), Group A exhibited significantly higher efficacy (89.7%) compared to Group B (66.7%) with a p-value of 0.000. Age and gender differences were minimal, except in the subgroup of patients aged 31-40 years and males.
Conclusion: Autologous PRP treatment (Group A) demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting graft adhesion compared to conventional fixation (Group B). The study recommends the clinical adoption of autologous PRP in wound resurfacing procedures to expedite healing.