Role of autologous platelet-rich fibrin in relocation pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in decreasing the incidence of wound breakdown in relocation pharyngoplasty performed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This prospective clinical study included 30 OSA patients. They were divided into two groups according to a random table. One group underwent classic relocation pharyngoplasty as described by Li and Lee in 2009. The other group underwent relocation pharyngoplasty with the placement of PRF before suturing. The main outcomes measured during follow-up were the degree of postoperative pain (assessed using a visual analogue scale), wound dehiscence, and the time taken to return to a normal diet after surgery. There was a statistically significant difference in wound dehiscence, with less dehiscence in the PRF group (P=0.013). There was less pain on days 3, 5, and 10 postoperatively in the PRF group (P<0.001). The time taken to return to a normal diet was lower in the PRF group (P=0.001). There was a reduction in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) at 6 months postoperative for all patients. PRF is a powerful bioactive tissue healing material that can provide an important option to decrease the incidence of palatal wound breakdown in relocation pharyngoplasty and in other palatal procedures.

Keywords: apnoea; obstructive sleep; platelet-rich fibrin; relocation pharyngoplasty; wound breakdown; wound dehiscence.