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Anastomotic leaks remain a significant challenge in intestinal surgery, often leading to severe complications. This study investigated a novel approach to enhance anastomotic healing and reduce the risk of leaks by combining traditional suturing and stapling techniques with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) application. NTAPP, a cold atmospheric plasma generated through the ionization of ambient air, has been shown to possess antimicrobial, hemostatic, and wound-healing properties. NTAPP promotes sterilization, coagulation, and tissue regeneration by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, potentially strengthening anastomotic union. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of NTAPP in three patients undergoing intestinal anastomosis. Following the standard surgical procedure, NTAPP was applied directly to the anastomotic site. Postoperative outcomes were monitored for six months, including anastomotic leaks and healing rates. Preliminary results demonstrated promising outcomes. All three patients exhibited successful sealing of the anastomosis, with no evidence of leakage during the follow-up period, providing reassurance and confidence in the potential of sutures, staples, and NTAPP. These findings suggest that NTAPP can significantly improve the safety and efficacy of intestinal surgeries by reducing the incidence of anastomotic leaks. While further research with a larger sample is necessary to confirm these initial findings, the results of this study provide a strong foundation for exploring the potential of NTAPP as a valuable adjunct to conventional surgical techniques for preventing anastomotic leaks. This innovative approach could reduce postoperative complications, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of care in intestinal surgery.

Anal fistula, characterized by abnormal tracts between the perianal skin and the anal canal, presents challenges in treatment because of its diversity and complexity. This study investigates the use of non-thermal plasma as a postsurgical therapy for anal fistula, aiming to promote healing and tissue regeneration. A specialized plasma reactor was designed to apply non-thermal plasma within the anorectal cavity practically. Non-thermal plasma treatment was administered to 20 patients including 10 undergoing fistulectomies and 10 undergoing fistulotomies. The average duration of non-thermal plasma application in the operating room was shorter for fistulotomies. The pain reported the day after surgery was similar in both groups. Improvements in the number of evacuations starting from the day after surgery, as well as the assessment of stool quality using the Bristol scale, indicated satisfactory intestinal recovery. Fistulotomy patients exhibited faster wound healing times. These findings underscore the efficacy of non-thermal plasma as a postoperative therapy for anal fistula, enhancing healing and recovery outcomes without increasing complication risks.

(1) Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy in accelerating wound healing in patients who have undergone laparoscopic and open surgeries. (2) Methods: NTP was applied using a needle-type reactor with an irradiance of 0.5 W/cm 2 on the surgical wounds of fifty patients after obtaining informed consent. Three NTP treatments, each lasting three minutes, were administered hourly. (3) Results: The pilot study showed that NTP-treated surgical wounds healed completely without any signs of infection, dehiscence, pain, or itching. Notably, patients reported minimal pain after the NTP treatment. Visual assessments conducted twenty-four hours after surgery revealed no redness or fluid discharge. Comparisons with traditionally sutured wounds indicated that NTP-treated wounds healed at a rate equivalent to seven days. (4) Conclusions: The application of NTP in laparoscopic and open wounds proved safe and effective, expediting the wound healing process and eliminating clinical risks post-surgery. Significantly, NTP facilitated a healing rate within twenty-four hours, equivalent to seven days for suture-treated wounds, significantly reducing the hospitalization time to a single day. These findings highlight the potential of NTP to be a transformative approach for promoting postoperative recovery.