Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Healing of Regional and Free Flaps

Role of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Healing of Regional and Free Flap Donor Sites for Head and Neck Surgery Patients: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Determine if the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) versus historical treatment methods improves the post-operative management of healing complications from flap donor sites.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had surgery involving a microvascular free flap or a myocutaneous regional flap for head and neck reconstruction who develop one of the following donor site complications: wound dehiscence, wound margin breakdown or contraction resulting in healing by secondary intention, myocutaneous fistula formation, or incomplete coverage of the donor site by a skin graft placed in the operating room.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years of age
• Patient's unable to participate in blood draw either due to medical compromise, inability to tolerate the procedure, or inability of the physician to successfully draw the blood at the time of appointment.