الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract This study was applied on 40 patients divided into 2 groups according to the purpose of the procedure either esthetic as group A or reconstructive as group B with 20 patients in each group. group A patients underwent micro-punch grafting as a treatment for vitiligo, post-burn hypopigmentation and cicatricial alopecia; while group B patients underwent the micro-punch grafting technique for treating unhealed wounds and chronic ulcers. In both groups, grafts were harvested using a micro motor with a micro-punch size ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm attached to the hand piece. The micro grafts were collected manually from the donor area and then transplanted in the previously incised chambers in the recipient area. Chambers in recipient area were incised at intervals of 4 mm using micro slits, while graft harvesting from donor area was at intervals of 1mm. Results were evaluated after 6 months till one year from the last intervention made and evaluation was made clinically by following up the improvement in lesion pigmentation or healing and subjectively using Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. There were nearly no marked complications and most of our patients were satisfied with their outcomes. However, best results were present in patients who had committed to the post-operative care program as phototherapy and topical ointments in group A and appropriate dressing in group B. To conclude, micro-punch grafting using a motorized 0.8 - 1.3 punch could successfully treat vitiligo, post-burn hypopigmentation, cicatricial alopecia and chronic ulcers; with short procedure times and excellent outcomes. This technique could be a rapid and convenient surgical option with acceptable adverse events for the treatment of pigmentary and delayed healing wounds on an outpatient basis, particularly in patients who are unlikely to tolerate prolonged surgery. |