Use of the Microdebrider for Reinke's Edema Compromising the Airway Compromise

Abstract

Reinke's edema is a condition characterized by diffuse polypoid changes in the subepithelial superficial lamina propria of the vocal cords, which is usually treated using the minimally invasive microflap technique. However, in patients with dyspnea, the epithelium has often undergone pathological changes due to repeat infection and hemorrhage. During the resection of such bulky, inflamed lesions, the operative field is compromised by bleeding, which can result in complications. We report two patients with severe Reinke's edema who presented with a chief complaint of dyspnea. In both patients, emergency tracheostomy was performed immediately before the curative resection of the lesion with the laryngeal microdebrider. The procedures were promptly completed with good visualization. No complication occurred and the patients were satisfied with the vocal outcome one month after the treatment. Although few reports are available on the use of the microdebrider in inflammatory lesions of the vocal cords, our experience showed its usefulness in selected cases of Reinke's edema.