Assessment of voice quality after carbon dioxide laser and microdebrider surgery for Reinke edema

Abstract

Objectives: Surgery of Reinke edema requires reduction of the degenerated superficial lamina propria and preservation of the vibratory epithelium.

Material and methods: Sixteen patients were included for microdebrider and 10 patients for carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery. Vocal analysis was performed before and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Subjective rating of voice quality was completed by the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale. The objective assessment was conducted by Multi-Dimensional Voice Program software.

Results: We found consistent improvement in all parameters both in CO2 laser and microdebrider group. The normalization of all parameters were statistically better after microdebrider surgery. The most statistically significant improvements were accounted in reduction in grade of hoarseness, roughness, and asthenia and acoustic analysis.

Conclusions: Microdebrider is a useful and safe tool for Reinke edema treatment. The oscillatory cutting knife and low suction protect lamina propria resulting in better vibratory function.

Keywords: CO(2) laser; Larynx; Microdebrider; Reinke edema; Voice quality.