Evaluation of the results of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in the treatment of complex perianal fistula: a prospective study

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has therapeutic effects in accelerating the healing of soft tissue injuries. Due to the side effects of the existing treatment methods in the management of complex anal fistula and the limited research in the field of alternative therapies using new technologies, the present study was conducted to investigate the application of autologous PRP in the treatment of anal fistula.

Methods: In this descriptive-prospective study, patients with complex anal fistula were studied. After excision of external orifici and curettage of the tract, PRP was injected into the tract and finally the inside of the tract was filled with PRP material. After surgery, patients underwent 1-week, 1-month, 6-month and 1-year follow-ups to evaluate their recovery status. Outcomes of this study included success rate, recovery time, satisfaction, return to work, readmission, and recurrence.

Results: Overall, the results of the study showed that the success rate of PRP treatment in patients with complex anal fistula is 66.7%. In 16.7% of patients, the result was “continuous external discharge” and in 16.7% of patients the result was “abscess formation after healing”. Recovery time was 24.29 (8.69) days. Rate of return to work, satisfaction, readmission was 79.2%, 79.2% and 16.37%, respectively. Also, the recurrence rates in the first month, sixth month and first year were 16.37%, 10% and 11.1%, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that PRP treatment is associated with high success rate in the treatment of anal fistula.