Completely autologous platelet gel in breast reduction surgery: A blinded, randomized, controlled trial

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of topical application of completely autologous platelet gel during breast surgery to reduce postoperative wound drainage. An increasing number of surgical centers are using tissue sealants to reduce postoperative drainage and improve surgical outcomes. However, there is a paucity of randomized, double-blind, controlled trials assessing the efficacy of these agents. Methods: The authors conducted a within-patient, randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, controlled trial assessing the use of completely autologous platelet gel in 111 patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty. Patients were randomized to receive the gel applied to the left or right breast after hemostasis was achieved; the other breast received no treatment. The primary outcome was the difference in wound drainage over 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included subjective and objective assessments of pain and wound healing. Results: No statistically significant differences in the drainage, level of pain, size of open areas, clinical appearance, degree of scar pliability, or scar erythema were noted. Conclusion: The authors' results do not support the use of completely autologous platelet gel to improve outcomes after reduction mammaplasty.