The Effectiveness of the Photoangiolytic Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) Laser in Managing Vocal Folds Reinke’s Edema A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Recently, photoangiolytic potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatment has been proposed as an alternative treatment for managing Reinke’s edema. Unlike traditional methods that involve the physical removal of the lesion, the KTP laser causes lesion regression by disrupting the blood supply through targeting the oxyhemoglobin. Moreover, KTP could be used as an office-based procedure, indicating its advantage over other operating room surgical procedures, with lower cost and avoidance of the potential complications of microlaryngoscopy. Aim The aim of this work is to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of the photoangiolytic KTP Laser as a surgical method for treatment of patients with Reinke’s edema. Study Design: This was a systematic review. Methods Two electronic databases of (PubMed and Cochrane Library) were searched for articles. Relevant studies were further evaluated and studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed and included. Results The literature search yielded 167 studies. 25 articles were further evaluated to be included. Three studies met all the inclusion criteria and were chosen for the review. The studies investigated the effectiveness of using Photoangiolytic KTP Laser in the management of Rienke’s edema. Conclusion The current systematic review suggested that photoangiolytic KTP Laser has not yet proven as an effective approach for treatment of Reinke’s edema and furthermore studies are needed to assess its effectiveness.