Preliminary dynamic observation of wound healing after low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation for laryngeal leukoplakia

Background Low-temperature plasma ablation (LTPA) is an emerging technique for laryngeal leukoplakia (LL). Objective To initially observe the healing process of trauma after LTPA for LL. Materials and methods Seventeen patients who underwent LTPA for LL were collected, and the degrees of wound healing were analyzed. Results Only 1 patient in who dysbiosis of the pharyngeal flora was induced by self-administered hormone nebulization treatment during the follow-up period. In the remaining patients, the wound healing was characterized by a crater-shaped defect on the vocal folds surface with pseudo-membranes, congestion, and mild edema on postoperative day 1. These symptoms became worse on postoperative day 7. On postoperative day 15, the pseudo-membrane was fully formed and some patients had granulomatous swelling of the vocal cords. These symptoms became better and better on postoperative day 30 and day 45. On postoperative day 60, the mucosa of the vocal folds had essentially returned to normal. On postoperative day 90, the vocal folds morphology and function had recovered well. Conclusion It takes 2-3 months for the wound to heal completely after LTPA for LL. Significance A proper understanding of the wound healing process can reduce unnecessary surgical and pharmacologic interventions and avoid excessive treatment.