Role of absolute versus relative voice rest in postoperative management of benign vocal fold lesions

Objective Most otolaryngologists advocate absolute voice rest after laryngeal surgery, which proves difficult for patients, so we decided to evaluate the role of absolute voice rest versus relative voice rest in the post-operative management of benign lesions. Methods Forty patients were recruited and divided in two groups: absolute voice rest and relative voice rest. Pre- and post-operative voice analysis (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, voice handicap index, voice-related quality-of-life scale scores and compliance) were noted at one week and one month. Results Voice analysis parameters including jitter (p = 0.035), shimmer (p = 0.020), voice handicap index (p < 0.001) and compliance (p < 0.001) were better in the relative voice-rest group. Frequency, number of voice breaks and voice-related quality of life showed no statistically significant results. Conclusion There was no significant benefit of absolute voice rest on post-operative outcomes as determined by acoustic variables. Compliance and quality-of-life scores were low in the strict voice-rest group. Therefore, we should reconsider post-surgical voice-rest protocol.