Comparison of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation in the treatment of refractory stable vitiligo: A multicenter, prospective and self-controlled comparative study

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented disorder that causes great damage to patient's appearance and mental health. Surgical treatment plays a vital role in patients with refractory vitiligo. Recipient-site preparation (such as liquid nitrogen, mechanical dermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser) is a key step in surgical treatment. Among them, mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser can achieve accurate ablation in different parts and depths. Objectives: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser and their preference for different parts in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo. Methods: We used a self-controlled study to compare the efficacy of mechanical dermabrasion and CO(2 )laser in 120 stable vitiligo patients of different parts at different time points after cultured epithelial sheets transplantation. Results: No overall difference between the mechanical dermabrasion group and the CO2 laser group. While the recovery rate of different parts of the mechanical dermabrasion group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Two methods have distinct efficacy for different parts, and CO2 laser is better at treating uneven parts. Conclusions: Both mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser have good results in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo.