Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Dermal Skin Flap Survival: An Experimental Study in Rats

May 2026 in “ Cureus ”

Efthymios D. Basagiannis, Christos Damaskos, Nikolaos Garmpis, Alexandros Papalampros, Stylianos Kykalos, Nikolaos Nikiteas

platelet-rich plasma PRP leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma L-PRP skin flap necrosis flap survival

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma improves skin flap survival by reducing tissue death.

This experimental study on 16 female Wistar rats investigated the effects of heterologous leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) on the viability of random-pattern dorsal skin flaps. The study found that local application of L-PRP significantly improved flap survival by reducing necrosis compared to the control group. Specifically, Group B (L-PRP treated) exhibited lower mean necrosis (0.59) and no severe necrosis cases, while Group A (control) showed higher mean necrosis (0.82) with only mediocre/severe necrosis. The results suggest that L-PRP enhances flap viability without causing adverse reactions, indicating its potential feasibility for improving skin flap outcomes.

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