Office-Based Photoangiolytic Laser Treatment of Reinke's Edema: Safety and Voice Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and voice outcomes of office-based photoangiolytic laser treatment of Reinke's edema.

Study design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Subjects and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing office-based laser treatment of endoscopy-proven Reinke's edema. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by reviewing complications. Voice outcomes were analyzed by comparing pre- and postprocedural acoustic, aerodynamic, and Voice Handicap Index measurements. Complete data sets were not available for all subjects; sample size for each parameter is reported with the corresponding result.

Results: Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria. There were no minor or major complications. Five procedures were truncated due to patient intolerance. Phonatory frequency range increased (n = 12, P = .003), while percent jitter decreased (n = 12, P = .004). Phonation threshold pressure decreased after treatment (n = 4, P = .049). Voice Handicap Index also decreased (n = 14, P < .001).

Conclusion: This study represents the largest series of patients undergoing office-based photoangiolytic laser treatment specifically for Reinke's edema. Our data suggest that this is a safe and effective modality to treat dysphonia associated with Reinke's edema, although patient intolerance of the procedure may represent a barrier.

Keywords: Reinke’s edema; office-based treatment; photoangiolytic laser; voice.