Evaluation of effects of platelet rich plasma and adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction on flap viability

Flap surgery is main tissue reconstruction technique in plastic surgery and its success is paralel to flap viability. There are numerous study in literature aimed to enhance flap viability. Due to their rich growth factor and pluripotent cell contents, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) are being used increasingly in all areas of medicine as well as plastic surgery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of PRP and SVF on flap viability when used seperately and together.Twenty-four, 250-350 gr weighted female rat were divided into 4 groups randomly. For preparation of PRP and SVF whole body blood and bilateral ingunal fat pads were collected from 10 donor rats. Prepared products were injected subcutaneously to the flap area (Group I: Control, GroupII:PRP, GroupIII:SVF, GroupIV:PRP+SVF). For evaluation tissue samples were collected at 3. and 7. postoperative days. Digital photos were taken at postoperative 7. day.All subjects were well tolerated the surgical procedures. In all treatment groups, there were statistically significant difference compared to the control group, according to viable flap areas, neutrophil invasion, neoangiogenesis, VEGF and bFGF expressions. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups.PRP and SVF are autolog pruducts with easy preparation and low side effect profiles and show their effects with growth factors and proactive cells. In this study we showed that these two product enhanced flap viability significantly.There was no advantage of thisproducts when compared to the other. We think that, with further investigations, PRP and SVF will be used safely in enhancing flap viability.