Can L-PRF be helpful for delayed deep wound healing after a tracheotomy or lymph node dissection in a pN0 status?: A case report

Abstract

Leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is used for its ability to deliver high concentrations of autologous growth factors to host tissues, to promote tissue repair. This report describes the case of a 48-year-old woman with tongue cancer treated surgically (pT3pN0), who experienced a delay of five weeks in the process of deep wound healing after a tracheotomy and cervical lymph node dissection that was treated with L-PRF. The patient had no risk factors for delayed wound healing, except for active preoperative smoking. Several attempts were made to stimulate bleeding and edge-to-edge closure, without conclusive results. However, five days after L-PRF placement, the subcutaneous tissues were adhering to the deep planes in both wounds. Fifteen days after L-PRF treatment, a complete wound healing was observed which allowed initiation of postoperative radiotherapy. This case report questions the potential of L-PRF for patients with a pN0 status, not only in superficial wounds, but also in deep wound healing. However, the use of L-PRF for patients with a pN1 status is not recommended, given the possible presence of tumour cells in the tissues, and the activation of these tumour cells by the growth factors present in L-PRF. This report supports the idea that L-PRF can contribute to deep soft tissue healing for patients with a pN0 status due to its positive clinical healing effects.