Comparison of two surgical approaches for treating vitiligo: a preliminary study

SummaryBackground Vitiligo is a disfiguring disease, characterized frequently by the presence of de-pigmented macules and/or patches. Traditional therapies are essentially medical and are most preferred by dermatologists. Surgical therapies, however, are amongst the most effective interventions for vitiligo but are limited by their invasive nature, as well as the training and expertise needed to perform specific procedures. Objectives To assess the evidence for the effectiveness, safety and applicability of the various surgical methods in the treatment of vitiligo. Methods For this systematic review of vitiligo surgical therapies, our searches included: PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Results We reviewed research studies reporting on split thickness skin grafts (STSG), punch/mini-graft, blister roof grafting, cultured and non-cultured cellular transplantation (MKTP). While all methods vary in their repigmentation outcomes, STSG is found to have the highest repigmentation success rate. Overall, post-operative complications included milia, scarring, cobblestone appearance or hyperpigmentation of treated areas. Conclusion This review highlights the need for more randomized controlled trials in this field, underpinned by a more standardized objective approach to the assessment of repigmentation following surgical interventions.

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“…Blister roof grafts vs. split-thickness skin grafts. Ozdemir et al 24 compared these two techniques. Twenty patients were included in this study.…”

Section: Comparative Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical interventions for vitiligo: an evidence-based review

Mulekar¹,

Isedeh

2013

Br J Dermatol

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“…Compared to the suction blister grafting ultra thin epidermal skin grafting can cover a larger surface area. Ozdemir et al, (9) demonstrated a higher percent of repigmentation with this ulta thin (10) as compared to mini punch grafting this technique produces far more cosmetically superior results and matching over larger areas. In our opinion, the ultrathin skin graft technique is found to be simple, economical, less time consuming with good cosmetic appearence.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Ultra Thin Epidermal Skin Grafting for Stable Viti Ligo : A Cost Effective and Cosmetically Satisfying Treatment Option

Pinjala¹,

T²,

Ch³

et al. 2015

jemds

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Ultrathin epidermal skin grafting is the simplest aesthetic procedure for stable vitiligo. Various surgical procedures such as miniature Punch Grafting, Suction blister grafting, Mash technique etc are available for covering stable vitiligenous depigmented area. This article reviews about the relatively easy and new technique in treating stable Vitiligo. Ultra thin epidermal skin grafting involves transfer of a very thin layer of skin including epidermis to achieve transfer of melanocytes from donor graft to the underlying dermabraded vitiligenous recipient area.

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“…(29)(30)(31) The repigmentation rate in these studies according to the review by Njoo et al was 87%, whereas Ozdemi et al reported rates between 25% -65%. (29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36) In the study by Maleki et al, ten patients with refractory vitiligo who were treated by suction blister graft and subsequent PUVA therapy reported over 90% repigmentation in seven patients. In studies of blister grafting followed without phototherapy, i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suction Blister Grafting- Still a Useful Modality for Treatment of Resistant and Stable Vitiligo

S¹,

Chittoory²

2017

jemds

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BACKGROUNDVitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder due to absence of functional melanocytes in the affected area. Depending on the type, extent and duration of vitiligo, conventional medical therapies and phototherapy are used. Medical treatment is effective in only 60% -70% of the patients. This has led to the evolution of various surgical modalities to treat recalcitrant stable lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of suction blister grafts for treatment of recalcitrant and stable vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study was conducted on 20 patients with stable vitiligo. They included lip vitiligo (6 cases), segmental vitiligo (6 cases) and focal vitiligo (8) that were resistant to conventional medical treatments. Manual suction with 20 cc disposable syringes for blisters at donor site and dermabrasion at recipient site was done. The blister was separated, fixed at recipient site and dressing was done followed by NBUVB thrice a week for 3 months. Repigmentation of lesions was evaluated monthly for 6 months after treatment. Repigmentation rates > 90%, 71% -90%, 51% -70% and < 50% were graded as complete, good, moderate and poor respectively. RESULTSThis study includes 20 patients (10 female and 10 male) with stable vitiligo were evaluated for response following suction blister grafting with thrice weekly post-graft phototherapy. Reponses to treatment after a 6-month followup were 'complete,' 'good' and 'moderate' in 12 (60%), 6 (30%) and 2 (10%) patients respectively and one patient was lost for followup. CONCLUSIONThe grafting procedures in vitiligo are performed for cosmetic purposes. Proper selection of the patient is the most important factor for achieving a good cosmetic result. Stability of the disease process is the most important parameter to achieve a successful outcome. Suction blister grafting gives excellent cosmetic results with minimal chances of scarring at the donor or recipient sites.

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Comparison of two surgical approaches for treating vitiligo: a preliminary study

Abstract: The thin split-thickness graft technique is superior to the suction blister technique in treating vitiligo.

Cited by 47 publications

References 21 publications

Surgical interventions for vitiligo: an evidence-based review

Surgical interventions for vitiligo: an evidence-based review

Ultra Thin Epidermal Skin Grafting for Stable Viti Ligo : A Cost Effective and Cosmetically Satisfying Treatment Option

Suction Blister Grafting- Still a Useful Modality for Treatment of Resistant and Stable Vitiligo

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