Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Pilonidal disease can be a debilitating condition which carries a significant physical and economic burden. This systematic review and updated meta-analysis presents the evidence for the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for wound healing following open and minimally-invasive sacrococcygeal pilonidal surgery. Methods A literature search was performed during December 2021 for studies relating to platelet-rich plasma and pilonidal wound healing following surgery. Results Nine studies remained after applying the exclusion criteria, incorporating a total of 621 (open surgery group) and 309 (minimally-invasive group) patients, respectively. Pooled analysis of the six open surgery group studies demonstrated a significant reduction in wound healing time (mean difference [MD] = − 13.98 days, 95% CI − 18.41 to − 9.55, p < 0.001, I 2 = 98%). Three open surgery group studies compared post-operative time off work, while three recorded mean pain duration; pooled analysis also revealed a significant reduction in both outcomes, respectively (MD = − 8.7 days, 95% CI − 9.4 to − 8.0, p < 0.001, I 2 = 57%; MD = − 9.5 days, 95% CI − 15.6 to − 3.3, p = 0.002, I 2 = 98%). Methodological heterogeneity among the minimally-invasive studies precluded formal meta-analysis; however, two studies demonstrated a modest improvement in wound healing when treated with PRP. Conclusions This systematic review and updated meta-analysis provide further evidence supporting the use of PRP for wound healing in sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. PRP application was demonstrated to significantly reduce healing time, postoperative pain and time off work in the open surgery group. Nevertheless, there is still considerable heterogeneity among PRP manufacture and administration techniques, and further high-powered RCTs with consistent methodology are required to substantiate these findings.