Background: Short and long-term results of microsurgical treatment with the mini-microflap technique in patients with Reinke's edema (RE) were assessed based on the phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx.
Objectives: To assess the short and long-term results of microsurgical treatment with the mini-microflap technique in patients with RE based on the phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx.
Material and methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with advanced stage of RE confirmed with laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) were enrolled in the study. Phonatory function disturbances were additionally assessed on the basis of Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) measurement, Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-ROOL) questionnaires. Ventilatory function was assessed using spirometry. The aforementioned complex examinations were conducted prior to surgery and 1, 6 and 9 months following the surgery.
Results: Good postsurgical results were obtained in subjective and objective evaluation, which assessed the phonatory function and ventilatory parameters. Post-surgery increase in MPT, VHI and VQROL was noticed in all patients in 3 check points (p < 0.001). The results demonstrate postsurgical improvement for some LVS parameters, including assessment of glottis closure (p < 0.003) observed 6 months after the surgery. An improvement in most of the ventilation parameters was observed also 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). For the spirometry flow parameter PEF, significant improvement was noted in each check point (p1 < 0.004, p6 < 0.001, p9 < 0.001). The study revealed a correlation between phonatory parameter - MPT and PEF observed 1 month after the procedure (p = 0.026), confirming the interdependence of ventilatory efficiency and phonatory condition of larynx.
Conclusions: Mini-microflap surgery brings satisfactory clinical effect in patients with advanced stages of RE by optimization of phonatory and ventilatory functions of the larynx.
Keywords: Reinke’s edema; long-term outcomes; mini-microflap surgery; spirometry; voice quality.