Our Summary

This study looked at how phenytoin, a drug typically used to prevent seizures, could help with the healing process of vocal cord injuries in rats. The researchers intentionally damaged the vocal cords of 10 rats and then treated the injury on one side with phenytoin, leaving the other side untreated as a control.

When they examined the tissues, they found that the side treated with phenytoin had a thicker layer of tissue (the lamina propria) and more of two key components involved in healing: fibroblast cells, which help to rebuild tissue, and collagen, a protein that gives structure to our skin and other tissues.

These results suggest that phenytoin could potentially be used to aid in the healing process after vocal cord surgeries. However, more research is needed to understand how it could prevent the formation of scar tissue and affect the vibration of the vocal cords, which is critical for producing sound.

FAQs

  1. How does phenytoin aid in the healing process of vocal cord injuries?
  2. What were the findings when the researchers examined the tissues of the rats’ vocal cords treated with phenytoin?
  3. Could phenytoin potentially be used for healing after vocal cord surgeries in humans?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vocal cord surgery is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including any prescribed medications or treatments. It is also important to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular check-ups and to monitor the healing process. Additionally, maintaining good vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated, avoiding irritants like smoking, and practicing proper vocal techniques, can help support the healing of the vocal cords after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended vocal cord surgery include those with:

  1. Vocal cord nodules or polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can affect voice quality and cause hoarseness.

  2. Vocal cord paralysis: This condition can result in difficulty speaking or breathing due to the inability of the vocal cords to move properly.

  3. Vocal cord cancer: Surgery may be recommended to remove cancerous tumors on the vocal cords.

  4. Vocal cord scarring: Scar tissue on the vocal cords can lead to voice changes and difficulty speaking.

  5. Laryngeal papillomatosis: This condition causes wart-like growths on the vocal cords, which can affect voice quality and breathing.

  6. Reinke’s edema: This is a condition where the vocal cords swell due to fluid buildup, leading to voice changes and hoarseness.

  7. Vocal cord hemorrhage: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, often with vocal cord surgery.

Overall, vocal cord surgery may be recommended for patients experiencing severe vocal cord issues that do not improve with other treatments such as speech therapy or medication.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking or singing, pain or discomfort when using their voice, and reduced vocal range. They may also undergo diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy to assess the condition of their vocal cords.

After vocal cord surgery, a patient typically goes through a recovery period that involves resting their voice, following specific post-operative care instructions, and attending follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. They may experience temporary changes in their voice, such as hoarseness or weakness, as the vocal cords heal.

In the case of using phenytoin to aid in the healing process, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness and potential benefits for patients undergoing vocal cord surgeries. The study in rats suggests that phenytoin may help promote tissue regeneration and reduce scarring, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the full implications for human patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  3. Will I need speech therapy or other rehabilitation after the surgery?

  4. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my voice?

  5. Are there any alternative treatments or medications, such as phenytoin, that could aid in the healing process?

  6. How will the surgery affect my ability to produce sound and speak normally?

  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?

  8. What are the success rates of this type of surgery and what are the potential long-term outcomes?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to ensure optimal healing?

  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific techniques and methods you will be using during the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Alicura Tokgöz S, Saka C, Akın İ, Köybaşıoğlu F, Kılıçaslan S, Çalışkan M, Beşaltı Ö, Çadallı Tatar E. Journal: Turk J Med Sci. 2019 Oct 24;49(5):1577-1581. doi: 10.3906/sag-1903-63. PMID: 31652040