Modified technique of suction blistering for epidermal grafting in vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Suction blister epidermal grafting is a useful modality of treatment of resistant and stable vitiligo; however, it requires expensive and heavy suction apparatus. This study is an attempt to develop a cheap and small apparatus which can be assembled in the physician's own office.


METHODS
The method was tried in 22 vitiligo/leukoderma patients. The apparatus consisted of a cylindrical funnel connected with a three-way tap, and suction was given by a 50-mL syringe. The pressure inside the suction cup was retained by changing the position of lock of the three-way tap. The pressure was measured by connecting the three-way tap to a vacuum gauge. The apparatus remained adhered to the donor area because of negative pressure. The blister was formed in about 1.5 h. The roof of the blister was grafted onto the dermabraded recipient site.


RESULTS
The pigmentation was complete in 20 out of 22 patients. There were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique is inexpensive and easy and obviates the need of cumbersome and heavy equipment.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001768:Blister / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation; D013997:Time Factors; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*