To evaluate the effects of topical autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on postoperative pain and wound healing following tonsillectomy.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Postoperative pain was lower in the PRP group with a mean difference of −0.8 points on the visual analog scale.
Statistically significant pain differences were observed on postoperative days 1 through 8.
Complete mucosal healing by day 14 occurred in 78% of PRP patients vs 59% of controls.
Wound healing scores were better on postoperative days 7, 10, and 14 in the PRP group.
Secondary hemorrhage occurred in 2% of PRP patients vs 5% in controls.
Interpretation:
Topical autologous PRP applied during tonsillectomy is associated with reduced postoperative pain and improved wound healing, suggesting it may enhance early recovery.
Limitations:
Single-center design limits generalizability.
Lack of age-stratified analyses.
Inability to blind the operating surgeon during application.
Not powered to detect differences in rare outcomes like hemorrhage.
Conclusion:
Topical autologous PRP may be a useful adjunct for enhancing early recovery after tonsillectomy.