Autologous platelet-rich-plasma injection and platelet-rich fibrin glue interposition for treatment of anal fistula resistant to surgery

The current study purposed to evaluate the autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin glue (PRFG) effect on the treatment of complex, and recalcitrant anal fistula (AF) which was not cured by several surgeries.

AF has remained one of difficult challenges for centuries. Surgery is the common treatment method for it, but the risk of fecal incontinence and recurrence is still a distressing complication for patients and surgeons. New procedures were published in the scientific literature, each with advantages and disadvantages. According to reports, an effective therapy option is the autologous fibrin glue that is rich in platelets.

Autologous PRP and PRFG were prepared from 10 patients’ own blood. The surgeon curetted the tract of anal fistula for the deepithelialisation till hemorrhage occurred; PRP was injected around the fistula into the tissue, and PRFG was interpositioned in the tract. Age, number of previous surgeries, complications, number of PRP and PRFG administrations, and duration of halting the discharge were among the information gathered. Patients were followed up between 10 months to 84 months after treatment.

No complications were observed during and after the injection. During the period of follow-up, AF leakage was stopped for 6 patients, but not for 4 patients.

Since autologous PRP injection, and PRFG interposition is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure for resistant AF to surgeries; it can be used, along with surgery to increase the healing rate of complex anal fistula.