Long-Term Effects and Prognosis Following Suction Blister Epidermal Grafting in Vitiligo Patients

Background: Suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is currently one of the most prevalent surgical methods for stable vitiligo. Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of vitiligo patients who underwent SBEG and to explore risk factors associated with postoperative relapse. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent SBEG in our department between January 2016 and December 2022. Treatment outcomes, including repigmentation rate, adverse events, and postoperative relapse, were surveyed via telephone interview or out-=patient visit. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the potential risk factors for postoperative relapse. Statistical significance was assumed at P < .05. Results: A total of 253 patients were included with a repigmentation rate of 96% (243/253) after grafting. Common adverse events included cobblestone-like appearance (73.1%, 185/253) in the donor site, perigraft halo (46.2%, 117/253), and cobblestone-like appearance (26.1%, 66/253) in the recipient site. Postoperative relapse occurred in 20.1% of patients over a mean time of 29.7 months after grafting. Nonsegmental type of vitiligo and coexistence of autoimmune diseases were risk factors for postoperative relapse. Conclusion: SBEG is an effective surgical treatment for vitiligo with high repigmentation rate and good safety profile. Nonsegmental vitiligo and comorbid autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of postoperative relapse.