The automated blister epidermal micrograft (ABEM) is a current advancement in surgical transplantation for refractory vitiligo. However, there is a lack of comparative analysis with other surgical methods. A retrospective study compared the efficacy, safety and experience of ABEM with conventional suction blister epidermal graft (SBEG). 

One hundred eighteen anatomically based vitiligo lesions from 75 patients were taken for investigation. The degree of repigmentation, the patient and operator experience were estimated and the following results were obtained:

• SBEG showed marked increased incidence in repigmentation, as measured by the Physician Global Assessment, and improvements in the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, specifically on the face/neck area. 
• ABEM showed decreased donor harvest time, a better patient operative experience and more significant Dermatology Life Quality Index improvements. 
• In a subset of 38 lesions in 10 patients, receiving both SBEG and ABEM, no difference was observed in the degree of repigmentation in the same recipient area. 
• Overall, SBEG shows a higher degree of repigmentation than ABEM, particularly in the mobilized region and is less costly. 
• However, ABEM demands a fewer procedure learning curve and furnishes a greater transplanting zone with quicker donor site recovery. 

Thus, a good knowledge about the benefits and drawbacks of two blister grafting procedures is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes for vitiligo grafting.

Source: Sci Rep. 2022;12:393.