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Functional outcomes following microflap surgery for vocal fold pathology are favorable. Although the stratified squamous epithelium appears to heal rapidly, persistent physiologic tissue alterations are likely. This study sought to elucidate key biochemical processes, including recruitment of immune cells, regulation of cellular junction proteins, and long-term alterations to epithelial tissue permeability following microflap with an eye toward enhanced clinical outcomes. In this study, the increased innate immune response was observed 12 h as well as 7 and 30 days after microflap. At 60 days following injury, decreased epithelial resistance was observed. Paracellular spaces were dilated at all time points following injury. Based on the study results, it was concluded that the vocal fold epithelium was significantly altered at 60 days following microflap. The implications for this tissue phenotype are unclear. However, compromised epithelial barrier function is implicated in various diseases and may increase the risk of subsequent injury.
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