Histologic changes in early colonic anastomotic healing using autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix

Treatment of anal fistulas with Obsidian RFT®: just another autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam?

BACKGROUND

Sphincter-preserving techniques like autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam have gained popularity, offering potential for better functional outcomes in anal fistula treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Obsidian RFT®.

METHODS

The study conducted a retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2022 on patients who received anal fistula closure with Obsidian RTF® at the Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Clinical diagnosis, complemented by radiographic imaging, was employed to confirm inconclusive cases. Demographic and fistula characteristics and postoperative data were collected from electronic records following STROCSS criteria.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients received Obsidian RFT® treatment for anal fistulas. We found no intra- and postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 3 days. After a median follow-up of 32 months, a closure rate of 53.3% was detected. Non-significant differences were observed in various variables, yet trends emerged, indicating associations between abscess presence and non-healing fistulas. A distinct age threshold (≥ 42.7 years) served as an indicator for an inability to achieve anal fistula cure.

CONCLUSION

Obsidian RFT® represents a safe, minimally invasive operative procedure. Approximately half the patients experienced healing, with better outcome in a younger population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethical Approval number Medical University of Vienna (#1258/2018). This study was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06136325).

Platelet rich plasma effectiveness in bowel anastomoses: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak constitutes a major problem in abdominal surgery. Technical insufficiency, topical or systemic factors contribute to disrupted healing of the performed bowel anastomosis and result in anastomosis leakage, with detrimental effects on patient postoperative outcomes. Despite the investigation of several factors and the invention of protective materials, the ideal agent to prevent anastomotic leaks is yet to be determined.

AIM

To study the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of bowel anastomoses.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to identify studies investigating the effect of PRP application on bowel anastomosis.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were eligible with a total population of 712 animals including rats (14 studies), rabbits (2 studies) and pigs (2 studies). No postoperative complications were reported following PRP application. Fourteen out of 18 studies reported a statistically significant higher anastomosis bursting pressure in PRP groups compared to control either in healthy animals or animal models with underlying condition or intervention, such as intraperitoneal chemotherapy or peritonitis. Similar results were reported by ten studies in terms of tissue hydroxyproline levels. One study reported significant increase in collagen deposition in PRP groups. PRP application resulted in significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in the presence of peritonitis or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (6 studies).

CONCLUSION

The application of PRP is associated with improved bowel anastomosis outcomes, especially in animal models having an underlying condition affecting the normal healing process. PRP application seems to augment the normal healing process under these circumstances. However, further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of PRP on bowel anastomosis healing, especially in clinical settings.

The impact of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks on survival of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI) leaks after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is a known life-threatening complication that may alter patients' outcomes. Our aim is to investigate risk factors associated with GI leaks and evaluate the impact of GI leaks on patient's oncological outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of perioperative and oncological outcomes of patients with and without GI leaks after CRS/HIPEC.

RESULTS

Out of 191 patients included in this study, GI leaks were identified in 17.8% (34/191) of patients. Small bowel anastomoses were the most common site (44%). Most of the GI leaks were managed conservatively and re-operation was needed in 44.1% of cases. Univariate analysis identified higher PCI (p = 0.03), higher number of packed cells transfused (p = 0.036), pelvic peritonectomy (p = 0.013), high number of anastomoses (p = 0.003) and colonic resection (p = 0.042) as factors associated with GI leaks. Multivariate analysis identified stapled anastomoses (OR 2.59, p = 0.001) and pelvic peritonectomy (OR 2.33, p = 0.044) as independent factors associated with GI leaks. Disease-free survival tended to be worse in the leak group but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.235). The 3- and 5-year OS was 73.2% and 52.9% in the leak group compared to 75.8% and 73.2% in the non-leak group (p = 0.236).

CONCLUSIONS

GI leak showed no impact on overall and disease free survival after CRS/HIPEC.Avoidance of stapled reconstruction in high risk patients with high tumor burden and large number of anastomoses may yield improved outcomes.