Investigation of the efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on nasal septum perforation and wound healing in the septal mucosa with nasal septum perforation model

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to demonstrate the effects of PRP on nasal septal perforation and wound healing in the septum mucosa in septum perforation model experimentally in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, 14 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups after anterior rhinoscopic examination showed no signs of septum pathology and infection. After anesthesia was applied to study and control group rabbits, a circular 5mm diameter perforation was created from the columella from the posterior approximately 5mm. Blood was taken from the ear marginal vein to the rabbits in the study group to generate PRP (Platelet rich plasma). Saline was administered every other day for 15 days as the PRP and control group. The groups were sacrificed at the end of 15 days and the septum cartilage was removed as a whole. The materials taken were sent to histopathology after the perforation areas were examined macroscopically. RESULTS: The parameters of epithelial degeneration, epithelial regeneration, fibroblast proliferation, collagen amount, granulation tissue amount, capillary vessel presence, presence of acute and chronic inflammatory cells, cartilage regeneration, cartilage degeneration and eosinophil amount, presence of giant cells and macroscopic closure rate of perforation in both groups. It was measured and analyzed. When the macroscopic occlusion areas of the perforation were compared, the rate of perforation closure in the PRP group was found to be significantly higher than in the Saline group (p = 0.048; p <0.05). Epithelial regeneration (p = 0.021; p <0.05), Fibroblast proliferation (p = 0.046; p <0.05), collagen density (p = 0.021; p <0.05), Granulation tissue (p = 0.021; p <0.05) were found to be significantly higher in the PRP group compared to the Saline group. There was no statistically significant difference in the evaluation of other parameters (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: We think that PRP can be used as an easily applicable autologous blood product in the prevention and repair of septum perforations that may occur during or after surgery for the nasal septum through wound healing mechanisms. KEY WORDS: Nasal mucosa; PRP; septum perforation; platelets; wound healing.