Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Non-cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension and Epidermal Curettage in Stable Vitiligo

CONTEXT: Vitiligo is a common primary acquired pigmentary disorder due to loss of epidermal functioning melanocytes. Many surgical techniques have evolved over the years for its treatment and the need of a cost-effective modality has always been put forward. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of non-cultured epidermal cell suspension with that of epidermal curettage in repigmentation of stable vitiligo. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a prospective randomized non-controlled study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty lesions were selected in patients of stable, recalcitrant vitiligo belonging to different age-groups and genders. After histopathological confirmation, the patients were taken up for surgery after obtaining written consent and were divided into two groups for two different procedures, that is, non-cultured epidermal cell suspension (Group A) and epidermal curettage (Group B). Follow-up was carried out at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of procedure to assess the repigmentation achieved. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0, was used. RESULTS: At the end of the study, >50% repigmentation was achieved in 95% (19 of 20) lesions of Group A and 85% (17 of 20) lesions in Group B, whereas >75% repigmentation was achieved in 60% (12 of 20) in both Groups A and B. The color matching with surrounding skin and yield of graft was better in epidermal cell suspension technique than that in epidermal curettage. The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Though both the surgical techniques of melanocyte transplantation are effective in achieving uniform pigmentation, epidermal curettage has an extra edge of being simpler and more cost-effective.