Does Intralesional Steroid Injection Effectively Mitigate Vocal Fold Scarring in A Rabbit Model?

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of intralesional steroid treatment in preventing vocal fold scarring following vocal fold surgery using a rabbit model.

METHODS

The research involved 42 male New Zealand white rabbits. Fourteen rabbits underwent vocal fold scar surgery using a 532nm laser and served as controls (control group). The remaining rabbits were divided into two groups of 14: one group received vocal fold scar surgery followed by dexamethasone injection (Dexa group) and the other received the same surgery followed by triamcinolone injection (Triam group). Four weeks after surgery, histological examinations and high-speed video analyses of vocal fold vibration were conducted. The maximum amplitude of vibration was the primary measure for assessing vocal fold function. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies were undertaken to analyze scar regeneration and remodeling.

RESULTS

The maximum amplitude differences were notably higher in the Dexa and Triam groups than in controls. Histologically, the collagen density (CD) ratios in both the Dexa and Triam groups were significantly reduced compared with controls. Real-time PCR analysis indicated marked elevations of Has-2 and Mmp-9 in the Dexa and Triam groups relative to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralesional steroid injections after vocal fold surgery are effective for reducing vocal fold scarring in a rabbit model.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 135:176-182, 2025.