ABSTRACT 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.
Lan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.