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

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.