Korean J Dermatol.  2022 Feb;60(2):82-90.

Treatment Results of Tissue Grafting in Vitiligo: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis for 11 Years

• Roh WS
• Park J
• Park S
• Oh SH

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary disorder characterized by the destruction of melanocytes via an autoimmune-mediated process. Treatments can be categorized into nonsurgical and surgical methods. Prognostic factors of surgical management in vitiligo have not been widely studied in the Korean population.
Objective
To investigate the prognostic factors of tissue grafts in vitiligo.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent tissue grafting for vitiligo between January 2010 and December 2020. Medical records and clinical photographs were reviewed, and demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected.
Results
A total of 195 cases were evaluated, and among them, 86 (44.1%) showed 75% improvement, and 49 (25.1%) showed 50% to 74% improvements 3 months after surgery. Statistical analyses showed that the prognosis of tissue grafting was significantly different according to vitiligo subtype, recipient site, and grafting method. The focal and segmental type, head and neck sites, and suction blister grafting showed favorable results compared with the non-segmental type, sites other than the head and neck, and punch grafting. Age and adjuvant phototherapy did not affect the clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
This study proposes several clinical factors that affect the outcomes of skin grafting in vitiligo.

Keyword

Prognosis; Surgery; Vitiligo