Knockout Genes in Bowel Anastomoses: A Systematic Review of Literature Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal wound healing process is a complex event of three overlapping phases: exudative, proliferative, and remodeling. Although some mechanisms have been extensively described, the intestinal healing process is still not fully understood. There are some similarities but also some differences compared to other tissues. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize all studies with knockout (KO) experimental models in bowel anastomoses, underline any recent knowledge, and clarify further the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the intestinal healing process. A systematic review protocol was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were comprehensively searched. RESULTS: a total of eight studies were included. The silenced genes included interleukin-10, the four-and-one-half LIM domain-containing protein 2 (FHL2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), annexin A1 (ANXA-1), thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) gene. Surgically, an end-to-end bowel anastomosis was performed in the majority of the studies. Increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the anastomotic site was found in IL-10-, annexin-A1-, and TAFI-deficient mice compared to controls. COX-1 deficiency showed decreased angiogenesis at the anastomotic site. Administration of prostaglandin E2 in COX-2-deficient mice partially improved anastomotic leak rates, while treatment of ANXA1 KO mice with Ac2-26 nanoparticles reduced colitis activity and increased weight recovery following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: our findings provide new insights into improving intestinal wound healing by amplifying the aforementioned genes using appropriate gene therapies. Further research is required to clarify further the cellular and micromolecular mechanisms of intestinal healing.

Increased Complement Activation and Decreased ADAMTS13 Activity Are Associated with Genetic Susceptibility in Patients with Preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome Compared to Healthy Pregnancies: An Observational Case-Controlled Study.

Preeclampsia is a progressive multi-systemic disorder characterized by proteinuria, critical organ damage, and new-onset hypertension. It can be further complicated by HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), resulting in critical liver or renal damage, disseminated coagulation, and grand mal seizures. This study aimed to examine the involvement of ADAMTS13, von Willebrand, and the complement system in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. We studied 30 Caucasian preeclamptic pregnant women and a control group of 15 healthy pregnancies. Genetic sequencing of ADAMTS13 and complement regulatory genes (MiniSeq System, Illumina) was performed. The modified Ham test was used to check for complement activation, ADAMTS13 activity, von Willebrand antigen (vWFAg) levels, and soluble C5b-9 levels were measured. Patients with preeclampsia had a decreased ADAMTS13 activity and increased C5b-9 levels. The vWFAg was significantly correlated with ADAMTS13 activity (r = 0.497, p = 0.003). Risk-factor variants were found in the genes of ADAMTS13, C3, thrombomodulin, CFB, CFH, MBL2, and, finally, MASP2. A portion of pregnant women with preeclampsia showed a decline in ADAMTS13 activity, correlated with vWFAg levels. These patients also exhibited an elevated complement activation and high-risk genetic variants in regulatory genes. Further research is needed to determine if these factors can serve as reliable biomarkers.

Mesh Rectopexy or Resection Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse; Is There a Gold Standard Method: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.

(1) Background: Rectal prolapse is a benign condition that mainly affects females and the elderly. The most common symptoms are constipation and incontinence. The treatment of choice is surgical, but so far, there has been no gold standard method. The aim of this study is to compare the two most common intrabdominal procedures utilized for treating rectal prolapse: the resection rectopexy and the mesh rectopexy. (2) Methods: In this study, we conducted a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature and compared the two different approaches regarding their complication rate, recurrence rate, and improvement of symptoms rate. (3) Results: No statistically significant difference between the two methods was found regarding the operating time, the length of stay, the overall complication rate, the surgical site infection rate, the cardiopulmonary complication rate, the improvement in constipation and incontinence rates, and the recurrence rate. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed that mesh rectopexy and resection rectopexy for rectal prolapse have similar short- and long-term outcomes. As a result, the decision for the procedure used should be individualized and based on the surgeon's preference and expertise.

The Effectiveness of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mixed with Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Healing of Inflammatory Bowel Anastomoses: A Pre-Clinical Study in Rats.

Introduction: Multiple factors have been linked with increased risk of anastomotic leak in bowel surgery, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, patient comorbidities and poor surgical technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the positive effect, if any, of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) mixed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the healing of bowel anastomoses, in an inflammatory environment after establishment of experimental colitis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of seven animals: normal controls, colitis controls, PRP, MSCs, and PRP+MSCs. All groups underwent laparotomy, one-cm segmental colectomy and anastomosis in situ. In the colitis group, colectomy was performed at the affected area. Colitis was previously established by transrectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) except for the normal controls. Post-mortem histopathological, tissue hydroxyproline and anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP) assessments were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess statistical significance differences between groups. Results: No perioperative mortality was noted. Tissue hydroxyproline and ABP were significantly increased in the group of PRP+MSCs compared to colitis controls (p = 0.0151 and p = 0.0104, respectively). Inflammatory cell infiltration was lower and fibroblast activity higher in PRP+MSCs group, but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Neoangiogenesis (p = 0.0073) and anastomotic area epithelialization (p = 0.0182) were significantly higher in PRP + MSCs group compared to colitis controls. Discussion: The synergistic effect of the PRP and MSCs is apparently responsible for the improved healing markers in bowel anastomoses even on inflammatory bowel. This gives hope for primary anastomoses and stoma saving in many emergency and/or elective circumstances, especially in immunocompromised or malnourished patients, even in cases with inflammation or peritonitis. Clinical studies should follow in order to support the clinical application of PRP+MSCs in gastrointestinal anastomoses.

The Role of Carbon Nanoparticles as Lymph Node Tracers in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Colorectal malignancies are the third-most common malignancies worldwide, with a rising incidence. Surgery remains the treatment of choice and adequate lymph node dissection is required for accurate staging. The objective of this study is to assess the use of carbon nanoparticles in lymph node tracing and resection in cases of colorectal cancer. For that purpose, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies included in Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. In the end, ten studies with a total number of 1418 patients were included in the final statistical analysis. The meta-analysis carried out showed that the use of carbon nanoparticles results in an increased number of lymph nodes harvested (WMD 6.15, 95% CI 4.14 to 8.16, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of cases with more than 12 lymph nodes harvested (OR 9.57, 95% CI 2.87 to 31.96, p = 0.0002). As a consequence, we suggest that carbon nanoparticles are used on a wider scale and that future research focuses on assessing the association between their use and overall patient survival. This study is limited by the fact that all included studies originate from China and by the fact that certain oncologic parameters and long-term outcomes have not been taken into account in the analysis.

Anastomotic Leak and Perioperative Outcomes of Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influenced the healthcare system tremendously, as well as the number of elective surgical procedures worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on esophagectomies. Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar bibliographical databases were systematically searched. Original clinical studies investigating the outcomes of esophageal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic were deemed eligible. After exclusion criteria were applied, eight studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Results: Eight studies with non-overlapping populations, reporting on patients undergoing esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, were included in our analysis, with a total of 18548 patients. Background characteristics for age, lung disease, smoking history as well as Body Mass Index and age were equal among the groups. The background of diabetes presented a statistically significant difference among the groups. Perioperative outcomes like reoperation rates, the length of intensive care unit stay, or readmission rates were not significantly increased during the pandemic. The 30-day readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality were not affected either. The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the non-pandemic period. Conclusions: The results of our study support the evidence that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, esophageal cancer operations took place safely and effectively, similarly to the standards of the non-COVID-19 era.

Anastomotic Leak in Ovarian Cancer Cytoreduction Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leaks (AL) following ovarian cytoreduction surgery could be detrimental, leading to significant delays in commencing adjuvant chemotherapy, prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with anastomotic leaks after ovarian cytoreduction surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus bibliographical databases were searched. Original clinical studies investigating risk factors for AL in ovarian cytoreduction surgery were included. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with non-overlapping populations reporting on patients undergoing cytoreduction surgery for ovarian cancer (n = 4622, including 344 cases complicated by AL) were included in our analysis. Patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction surgery complicated by AL had a significantly higher rate of 30-day mortality but no difference in 60-day mortality. Multiple bowel resections were associated with an increased risk of postoperative AL, while no association was observed with body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, age, smoking, operative approach (primary versus interval cytoreductive, stapled versus hand-sewn anastomoses and formation of diverting stoma), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). DISCUSSION: Multiple bowel resections were the only clinical risk factor associated with increased risk for AL after bowel surgery in the ovarian cancer population. The increased 30-day mortality rate in patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction complicated by AL highlights the need to minimize the number of bowel resections in this population. Further studies are required to clarify any association between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and decreased AL rates.

Indications for the surgical management of pancreatic trauma: An update.

Pancreatic trauma is rare compared to other abdominal solid organ injuries, accounting for 0.2%-0.3% of all trauma patients. Moreover, this type of injury may frequently be overlooked or not readily appreciated on initial clinical examinations and investigations. The organ injury scale determines the severity of the trauma. Nonetheless, there are conflicting recommendations for the best strategy in severe cases. Overall, conservative management of induced severe traumatic pancreatitis is adequate. Modern imaging modalities such as ultrasound scanning and computed tomography scanning can detect injuries in fewer than 60% of patients. However, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have diagnostic accuracies approaching 90%-100%. Thus, management options include ERCP and stent placement or distal pancreatectomy in cases of complete gland transection and wide drainage only for damage control surgery, which can prevent mortality but increases the risk of morbidity. In the majority of cases, surgical intervention is not required and should be reserved for only severe grade III to grade V injuries.

Circulating microRNAs and Clinicopathological Findings of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy with a rising incidence. There is a need for a non-invasive preoperative test to enable better patient counselling. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the potential role of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis and prognosis of PTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases (last search date was December 1, 2021). Studies investigating the expression of miRNAs in the serum or plasma of patients with PTC were deemed eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Among the 1,533 screened studies, 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 108 miRNAs candidates were identified in the serum, plasma, or exosomes of patients suffering from PTC. Furthermore, association of circulating miRNAs with thyroid cancer-specific clinicopathological features, such as tumor size (13 miRNAs), location (3 miRNAs), extrathyroidal extension (9 miRNAs), pre- vs. postoperative period (31 miRNAs), lymph node metastasis (17 miRNAs), TNM stage (9 miRNAs), BRAF V600E mutation (6 miRNAs), serum thyroglobulin levels (2 miRNAs), 131I avid metastases (13 miRNAs), and tumor recurrence (2 miRNAs) was also depicted in this study. CONCLUSION: MiRNAs provide a potentially promising role in the diagnosis and prognosis of PTC. There is a correlation between miRNA expression profiles and specific clinicopathological features of PTC. However, to enable their use in clinical practice, further clinical studies are required to validate the predictive value and utility of miRNAs as biomarkers.

Preoperative Hyponatremia Indicates Complicated Acute Appendicitis.

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. Early detection of patients with complicated appendicitis leads to prompt surgical management and better outcome. This study investigated the relationship between the severity of acute appendicitis and the presence of preoperative hyponatremia. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of adult patients operated on for acute appendicitis over a 6-year period. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level of ≤135 mEq/L. Patients were classified into complicated appendicitis and noncomplicated appendicitis according to operative findings and/or histopathology reports. Results: A total of 129 patients were identified and included in this study. Complicated appendicitis was found more frequently in female patients and older patients. Hyponatremia was found significantly more frequently in patients with complicated appendicitis (p < 0.001) and also in patients with perforation than without perforation (p=0.047). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that preoperative hyponatremia is associated with complicated appendicitis. Serum sodium levels, a routine, low-cost laboratory test, could act as an accessory marker aiding surgeons in earlier identification of gangrenous or perforated acute appendicitis.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Training of Surgical Residents in Greece: Results of a Survey Conducted One Year after the Onset of the Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing crisis. In light of mounting concerns about the training of surgical residents, we examined surgical residents perceptions regarding the pandemic's impact on their training. Methods: We developed an anonymous online questionnaire comprising 15 multiple-choice questions, which we sent via email to residents educated and employed in northern Greece hospitals. Our survey took place in January and February of 2021. Results: A total of 124 residents across a broad spectrum of surgical fields completed the questionnaire. The majority (51.6%) reported a significant decline in the number of operations performed weekly during the pandemic. Approximately 38% of the respondents stated that their surgical skills have been negatively affected to a significant extent, and 35.5% reported that their theoretical knowledge had deteriorated to a moderate extent. Almost half of them reported that they were satisfied with the online courses and a total of 67.7% affirmed the need to prolong their clinical training. Conclusions: The aims and scope of a surgical department include the provision of high-quality training to young surgeons. The impact of the pandemic on routine surgical activities has been dramatic. Our results clearly indicate that young surgeons have been significantly affected in terms of their training.

Eosinophilic dermatosis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a rare case report.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of malignant lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by a rapid and uncontrolled increase in lymphoid cells, mostly monoclonal B-cells (B-CLL). Patients with CLL may present cutaneous lesions that can be classified as either "specific" or "non-specific." In CLL patients, specific skin eruptions arise from leukemic cell infiltration, recognized histopathologically in tissue sample biopsy. Non-specific lesions encompass the majority of eruptions in CLL patients and may present as petechiae, purpura, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, paraneoplastic pemphigus, vasculitis, or eosinophilic dermatosis. Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is a rare cutaneous manifestation that presents as an eruption in various locations and is characterized as papular, pruritic, and sometimes vesicular or vesiculobullous. Here we present a rare and interesting case of a 58-year-old woman with a medical history of B-CLL that was examined at our clinic for evaluation of an unspecified diffuse vesicular pruritic rash. The patient was first diagnosed with CLL 3 years earlier and followed a 6-month course of immuno-chemotherapy with rituximab, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide. We also performed brief review of previous literature and present the results.

Non-Operative Management of Delayed Splenic Rupture 4 Months Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma.

BACKGROUND Delayed splenic rupture is a rare complication of non-operative management of a primary splenic trauma which, without proper clinical vigilance, may result in life-threatening events. It usually occurs 4-8 days after injury and, in most cases, surgery is the treatment of choice. Since non-operative management of splenic trauma, which allows splenic salvage, has become increasingly popular, the same approach could also be applied in delayed splenic rupture. We herein present a case of delayed splenic rupture that occurred 4 months after the trauma and was successfully managed non-operatively. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old woman presented with diffuse abdominal pain, chest pain, and dyspnea 4 months after sustaining minor thoracoabdominal blunt trauma due to a car accident. That event was inadequately investigated and was not admitted for further monitoring. Computerized tomography revealed a rupture of a splenic hematoma in the context of the previous splenic trauma. She was closely monitored and remained hemodynamically stable. She was discharged and followed up, with no reported relapse of her clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS Delayed splenic rupture occurring 4 months after the primary splenic trauma is extremely rare. Due to its prolonged delay, delayed rupture of the spleen can easily be overlooked and not be included in the original differential diagnosis. Negligence of this event can result in dreaded complications with hemodynamic instability or even death. Furthermore, its higher mortality rate compared to primary splenic rupture highlights the importance of proper clinical vigilance. Non-operative management should be attempted in hemodynamically stable patients.

Robot-Assisted Thyroidectomy Versus Open Thyroidectomy in the Treatment of Well Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide during the last decade, becoming the most common endocrine malignancy and accounting for 3.8% of new cancer diagnosis. Surgical resection, namely conventional thyroidectomy, remains at the frontline of therapy, as surgical outcomes are undoubtedly successful. Minimally invasive techniques gained popularity through the years, in terms of feasibility, safety, and cosmesis. However, endoscopic approach could be characterized by some limitations concerning thyroid surgery. Robotic technology with its unique features was introduced to overcome these limitations. Since then, robotic thyroidectomy has been used for both benign and malignant thyroid disease. DATABASE: This study presents the use of robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma through an extensive review of the literature in the PubMed database, including previous meta-analyses and case series. CONCLUSION: In terms of oncological efficacy, morbidity, and quality of life, outcomes seem comparable in thyroid cancer patients undergoing either open or robotic thyroidectomy. Surgical completeness also appears similar. Moreover, the rates of locoregional recurrence and survival outcome at 5 years are similar between the former and the latter, thus confirming the oncological value of robotic thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer. In order for more surgeons to adopt robotic approaches several issues need to be resolved, namely: expansion of robotic thyroidectomy in treating larger well-differentiated carcinomas and neck dissection, equipment costs, and prolonged operation times.

Undiagnosed Endoscopy Capsule Retention Causing Delayed Intestinal Obstruction in a Patient with a Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor.

BACKGROUND Capsule endoscopy has played a significant role in small bowel investigation, providing the opportunity of detecting neoplastic lesions to a greater degree and at an earlier stage than other diagnostic procedures. Failure to excrete the capsule with the feces within 48 h can lead to capsule retention with increased risk of further complications such as bowel obstruction and perforation. Capsule retention can remain undetected in case of incomplete follow-up and poor patient compliance. Acute small bowel obstruction as late as many months following capsule endoscopy investigation is very rare, with only a few cases reported in the published literature. We herein report a rare case of prolonged capsule retention which remained undiagnosed, resulting in small bowel obstruction 6 months after the initial investigation. CASE REPORT An 82-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction. The patient history included a capsule endoscopy investigation because of episodes of abdominal pain 6 months prior to admission. Both the outcome of the investigation and the excretion of the capsule remained undetermined due to her history of dementia and follow-up failure. Radiologic investigations identified the capsule causing small bowel obstruction. Upon surgery, the capsule was found to be impacted in a stenotic small bowel lesion, and a segmental small bowel resection was performed. Histologic examination revealed the presence of a stenotic small bowel neuroendocrine tumor. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate follow-up is necessary to diagnose the complication of capsule retention which, if it remains unrecognized, can cause life-threatening complications as late as many months after capsule endoscopy.

A case of acute abdomen caused by spontaneous rupture of a splenic abscess secondary to cancer of the splenic flexure.

Splenic abscesses are rare, difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat and usually appear in immunosuppressed patients. We present the case of a 64-year-old patient with left pleuritic chest pain, anorexia and fever with rigors diagnosed with splenic abscess due to splenic flexure colon cancer. The abscess spontaneously ruptured and the patient was operated on for acute abdomen. Splenectomy and Hartmann's hemicolectomy were performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital and referred to the oncologic department. Continuous spread of infection and especially initiating from a cancer lesion is a usual mechanism of splenic abscess formation. Although computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage is the treatment of choice, an exploratory laparotomy was necessary in this case because of the rupture of the abscess. It is important for the clinicians to include splenic abscesses and their complications in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis: An Educative Intervention Significantly Increases Compliance.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of guidelines in daily clinical practice is often suboptimal, mainly due to doctors' poor compliance with them. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) is many times administered in patients undergoing elective surgery without proper indication or for longer time than needed. Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a simple intervention on the compliance of the medical staff with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines concerning PAP administration. METHODS: A prospective 3-month audit took place including routine surgical procedures (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair and thyroidectomy). An intervention aiming to educate the medical staff was implemented. The intervention included the demonstration of a poster and the training of the medical staff over the guidelines. A re-audit recorded the changes in daily clinical practice. RESULTS: The compliance rate regarding the number of PAP doses significantly increased from 0% before the intervention to 68.8% after the intervention for hernia repair and to 53.1% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The adherence rate in thyroidectomies increased from 25% to 50%, but without statistical significance. No significant difference was found for other parameters of PAP administration, namely the type of antibiotic used and the timing of the dose administration. Regarding secondary outcomes, hospitalization days were reduced, and cost of antibiotics was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A simple intervention intending to educate the medical staff was successful in achieving significant improvement on the compliance rate with the PAP guidelines, highlighting the importance of promoting adherence to the already existing, well-established guidelines.

B-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma of the Small Bowel: An Extremely Rare Occurrence.

B-lymphoblastic lymphoma is a neoplasm of immature B cells and is characterized by aggressive behavior and disease progression. Common sites of involvement are skin, lymph nodes, bone, soft tissues, breast, and the mediastinum. Gastrointestinal lesions are rarely encountered and therefore not fully described. We herein report the case of a 28-year-old male, who presented with abdominal pain and CT scan showed a tumor involving the small bowel and its mesentery. He underwent emergency laparotomy and enterectomy. Histopathology report revealed B-lymphoblastic lymphoma affecting the small bowel and the adjacent mesentery. This is the first documented case of a small bowel tumor diagnosed as B-lymphoblastic lymphoma in published literature.

Platelet rich plasma effectiveness in bowel anastomoses: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak constitutes a major problem in abdominal surgery. Technical insufficiency, topical or systemic factors contribute to disrupted healing of the performed bowel anastomosis and result in anastomosis leakage, with detrimental effects on patient postoperative outcomes. Despite the investigation of several factors and the invention of protective materials, the ideal agent to prevent anastomotic leaks is yet to be determined. AIM: To study the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of bowel anastomoses. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to identify studies investigating the effect of PRP application on bowel anastomosis. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were eligible with a total population of 712 animals including rats (14 studies), rabbits (2 studies) and pigs (2 studies). No postoperative complications were reported following PRP application. Fourteen out of 18 studies reported a statistically significant higher anastomosis bursting pressure in PRP groups compared to control either in healthy animals or animal models with underlying condition or intervention, such as intraperitoneal chemotherapy or peritonitis. Similar results were reported by ten studies in terms of tissue hydroxyproline levels. One study reported significant increase in collagen deposition in PRP groups. PRP application resulted in significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in the presence of peritonitis or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (6 studies). CONCLUSION: The application of PRP is associated with improved bowel anastomosis outcomes, especially in animal models having an underlying condition affecting the normal healing process. PRP application seems to augment the normal healing process under these circumstances. However, further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of PRP on bowel anastomosis healing, especially in clinical settings.