A Clinico-pathological study of Reinke'S oedema.

An analysis of 92 eases of Reinke's oedema was done in this study. It wen most often seen in middle-aged persons. A Male predilection (57%) was found. In 68 (74%) cases, the lesions were unilateral and in 24 (26%) teses, the lesions were bilateral. Smoking (83%), vocal alms or misuse (80%) and chromnic respiratory tract infection (43%) were the main aetiological factors. No significant relationship of reinke's oedema with hypotkyroidsm was found. There were no dysplastic changes in the epithelium The treatment of reinke's oedema is a combination of surgery and vocal rehabilitation. Conventional microlaryngeal surgery is ideal for the treatment of Reinke's oedema. Acquired laryngeal web involving the anterior part of the vocal cords may develop if stripping of the both vocal cords is performed carelessly. Operating measures do not prevent recurrences of Reinke's oedema. Voice therapy and cessation of smoking in the postoperative period play important roles in the long term treatment results of Reinke's oedema.