Exploring the Correlation Between Surgical Depth and Postoperative Voice Rest Duration in a Rabbit Phonomicrosurgery Model.

Objective: The optimal duration of voice rest after phonomicrosurgery remains a subject of debate, as clinical studies on its effect on vocal fold wound healing have yielded conflicting results, and a controlled animal model for investigating voice rest is currently unavailable. This study aimed to determine the optimal postoperative voice rest duration using a controlled rabbit model. Methods: Building on our established rabbit model for graded voice rest, we created two distinct phonomicrosurgery injury models: one involving the superficial lamina propria (SLP) and another extending to the mid-deep lamina propria (MDLP). The effects of different voice rest durations on wound healing were systematically evaluated through ex vivo laryngeal phonatory vibration experiments, histopathological examinations (hematoxylin-eosin, Alcian Blue, and Elastica van Gieson staining), and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix texture analysis. Results: The optimal voice rest duration was dependent on surgical depth. In the SLP surgery model, a 1-day voice rest period resulted in the most favorable outcomes, characterized by superior voice quality and histological organization. In contrast, for the MDLP surgery model, a 3-day voice rest duration promoted optimal wound healing, yielding better vocal function, improved vibration, and reduced tissue fibrosis. Conclusion: Voice rest requirements differ based on surgical depth.