The Management of Postsurgical Wound Complications with Plasma Rich in Growth Factors: A Preliminary Series.

Abstract

Postsurgical wound complications constitute a relevant public health issue because of their frequency. There is growing evidence regarding platelet-based autologous therapies that support their use in promoting cutaneous regeneration. To provide preliminary data regarding the potential benefit of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in the management of postsurgical wound complications. Three patients suffering from poorly healing severe full-thickness wounds were treated with either one or a combination of different formulations derived from their own blood: autologous clot, fibrin membrane, injectable plasma, or topical ointment. Different treatment protocols are described, and follow-up results are reported. Within 4 to 12 months, the treated wounds healed completely with no signs of infection, tissue necrosis, or functional impairment. No adverse events were reported. Additional clinical trials with long-term follow-up periods and larger patient populations are needed to establish the efficacy of PRGF technology. However, these preliminary findings suggest that PRGF merits further randomized controlled studies exploring its capacity to accelerate re-epithelialization and restore functional integrity to cutaneous ulcers resulting from surgical complications.