Results of the Use of Platelet‐Rich Plasma in the Donor Site of Split‐Thickness Skin Grafts: An Exploratory Cohort Study

TL;DR

Applying platelet-rich plasma at skin graft donor sites may improve healing and reduce pain, according to a study on patients with skin grafts.

Contribution

This study explores the novel use of autologous platelet-rich plasma to improve donor site healing after skin grafts.

Findings

PRP improved epithelialization quality at donor sites with lower scar scores on postoperative days 7 and 14.

PRP reduced postoperative pain by up to 50% during early assessments.

PRP effects were sustained and appeared safe as an adjunct in reconstructive surgery.

Abstract

Split‐thickness skin autografts are commonly used to treat extensive cutaneous defects. However, donor site morbidity, including pain, bleeding, and delayed epithelialization, remains a major clinical challenge. This study evaluates whether applying autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to the donor site improves healing outcomes. A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary‐level academic hospital in Colombia. The study protocol was approved by the local Institutional Ethics Committee. Adult patients (> 18 years) undergoing split‐thickness skin grafts for trauma, burns, oncologic resections, or chronic ulcers were included. Two groups were compared: the PRP group, in which autologous platelet‐rich plasma was applied to the donor site, and the control group, which received standard wound care. The primary outcome was the quality of epithelialization at the donor site, while pain, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, was evaluated as a secondary outcome at multiple postoperative time points. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for potential confounders, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 46 patients were included (16 in the PRP group and 30 in the control group), with no significant demographic differences between groups. The PRP group demonstrated improved epithelialization quality, with lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores on postoperative days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). Patients treated with PRP also reported a reduction of up to 50% in postoperative pain during early assessments (p < 0.001). These effects were maintained throughout the follow‐up period, suggesting a sustained benefit of PRP on both healing quality and pain control. These findings suggest that autologous PRP application at split‐thickness skin graft donor sites may enhance early epithelialization quality and reduce postoperative pain compared with standard wound care. PRP appears to be safe and may represent a useful adjunct to promote improved wound healing and patient recovery in reconstructive surgery. However, larger randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and to establish the clinical effectiveness of autologous PRP in this setting.

Autologous PRP enhances early donor site epithelization.PRP reduces early postoperative pain after skin grafting.Sustained short term benefits were observed.PRP appears safe as an adjunct in reconstructive surgery.

Autologous PRP enhances early donor site epithelization.

PRP reduces early postoperative pain after skin grafting.

Sustained short term benefits were observed.

PRP appears safe as an adjunct in reconstructive surgery.

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