Fractional versus full ablative CO₂ laser in recipient site of non‐cultured melanocytes and keratinocyte transplantation in treatment of vitiligo

Abstract

Background Melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplant procedure (MKTP) or non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation is a very popular surgical modality for treating stable vitiligo. The recipient‐site preparation is one potential determinant in the repigmentation outcomes. Aim To assess the efficacy of fractional CO2 (FCO2) laser in recipient‐site preparation before MKTP and comparing it to the frequently used full surface laser ablation. Methods This randomized comparative trial included 19 patients with 40 stable vitiligo lesions. In each patient, the treated sites were randomly categorized into two groups according to the recipient‐site ablation (either fractional or full ablative CO2 laser). Assessment of repigmentation was performed six months after the procedure. Results Both modalities achieved successful repigmentation of a median of 80% and 77.5% for fractional and full ablation groups, respectively, with a non‐statistically significant difference between them. The median of VASI change percent was −73% and −71% with fractional and full surface ablation, respectively. Conclusions FCO2 laser ablation is effective for recipient‐site preparation before cell suspension transplantation as well as the full ablative CO2 laser.

Regenerative medicine in the treatment of specific dermatologic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

“…In Group B, an area of 157.74 cm2 was operated on, leading to a repigmentation of 78.601 cm2 (48.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in the total repigmentation achieved between the two groups Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and reactivation of the disease Jamal-Edine et al [ 46 ] RCT 19 patients 32.05 12:7 vitiligo Transplantation of autologous epidermal melanocyte/keratinocyte cells Each patient had the treated areas divided into two groups at random. One group had a recipient site treated with FCO 2 laser ablation (fractional group), while the other group had a recipient site treated with full surface CO 2 laser ablation (full ablation group) In the study, using FCO 2 laser resulted in excellent repigmentation in 40% of cases, good repigmentation in 35% of cases, and poor repigmentation in 25% of cases.…”

“…Also, in the comparison of the preparation of the receptor site between fractional CO 2 and full surface CO 2 methods, excellent repigmentation was observed in 40% and 35% of patients, respectively. Despite the significant improvement in both groups, no significant difference has been noted between the two groups [ 46 ]. Furthermore, in the comparison of the two methods of dermabrasion and microneedling at the transplant site, both methods have shown effectiveness.…”

Transplantation procedures in vitiligo: What's new

“…There was no risk of damage/scarring to the recipient bed. An added benefit is the creation of a recipient bed of uniform depth and which can also be used for concave surfaces 43 …”

“…An added benefit is the creation of a recipient bed of uniform depth and which can also be used for concave surfaces. 43…”

Exploring the Efficacy of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser as an Add-on Combination to Conventional Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Vitiligo (A Review Article)

“…30 Fractional CO2 laser ablation has been found to be effective in recipient-site preparation before melanocytekeratinocyte transplant procedure (MKTP), achieving successful repigmentation outcomes. 31 A randomized controlled trial compared different recipient-site preparations before cell suspension transplantation and found that superficial full surface ablation with a depth of 144 μm using a CO2 laser was an effective method. 32 CO2 fractional laser treatment has been found to have a good curative effect in the treatment of vitiligo, with a high efficiency rate and a significant reduction in Th2 and Th17 cytokine levels.…”