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

Abstract

Objectives:

The office-based use of photoangiolytic lasers may be a viable option in the treatment of Reinke’s edema. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of this technique.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing office-based laser treatment of endoscopy-proven Reinke’s edema between January 2007 and November 2013. Safety was evaluated by reviewing complications. Efficacy was analyzed by comparing pre- and postprocedural aerodynamic, acoustic, and voice handicap index (VHI) measurements, and by quantifying procedure tolerance. Data were analyzed using paired t tests, if parametric, or signed rank tests, if not parametric. Complete datasets 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 major complications. Phonation threshold pressure decreased after treatment (n = 4; 8.21 ± 2.10 vs 6.69 ± 2.59 cmH₂O; P = .049). Phonatory frequency range increased (n = 12, 180 ± 67 vs 363 ± 295 Hz; P = .003) while percentage jitter decreased (n = 12; 4.05 ± 2.83 vs 1.65 ± 1.10%; P = .004). VHI also decreased (n = 14; 56 ± 26 vs 37 ± 27; P < .001). Five procedures were truncated due to benign patient intolerance.

Conclusions:

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 Reinke’s edema, though patient intolerance of the procedure may represent a barrier.