The use of autologous platelet-leukocyte gels to enhance the healing process in surgery, a review

Surg Endosc. 2007 Nov;21(11):2063-8. doi: 10.1007/s00464-007-9293-x. Epub 2007 Apr 13.

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic use of autologously prepared, platelet-leukocyte-enriched gel (PLG) is a relatively new technology for the stimulation and acceleration of soft tissue and bone healing. The effectiveness of this procedure lies in the delivery of a wide range of platelet growth factors mimicking the physiologic wound healing and reparative tissue processes. Despite an increase in PLG applications, the structures and kinetics of this autogenously derived biologic material have not been observed.

Methods: A review of the most recent literature was performed to evaluate the use of PLG in various surgical disciplines.

Results: The review showed that the application of PLG has been extended to various surgical disciplines including orthopedics, cardiac surgery, plastic and maxillofacial surgery, and recently also endoscopic surgery.

Conclusion: This review demonstrates the usefulness of PLG in a wide range of clinical applications for improvement of healing after surgical procedures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Products / administration & dosage*
  • Blood Platelets*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation
  • Fracture Healing / drug effects
  • Gels
  • Hemostasis, Endoscopic / instrumentation
  • Hernia, Abdominal / surgery
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes*
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / therapeutic use
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / drug therapy
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Gels
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor