A 30-year-old woman with vitiligo of 2-year duration is being considered for autologous non-cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation (ReCell technique). Which criterion must be satisfied before proceeding with this surgical treatment?
- A VASI (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index) >50%
- B Stable disease for at least 6 months with no new lesions ✓
- C Failure of only one prior topical treatment
- D Presence of Koebner phenomenon at the surgical site
Correct answer: B. Stable disease for at least 6 months with no new lesions
Explanation
Surgical treatments for vitiligo (melanocyte grafting, split-skin grafting, non-cultured epidermal cell suspension, suction blister grafting) require disease stability — no new lesions and no expansion of existing patches — for a minimum of 6–12 months. Koebner phenomenon is a contraindication to surgery, not a prerequisite, as it predicts surgical site depigmentation. VASI score measures severity but is not a threshold criterion for surgery. Surgical options are for stable, recalcitrant vitiligo that has failed adequate medical therapy.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.