Vocal function in Reinke's edema--degree of the lesion and indication of the operation

Abstract

Fifty three cases of Reinke's edema were classified into 3 groups according to Yonekawa's proposed classification. Of these cases, 14 were Type I, 22 were Type II and 17 were Type III. In each case, psychoacoustic evaluation using the "GRBAS" scale and phonatory function tests (fundamental frequency, air flow rate, sound pressure level and maximum phonation time) using Nagashima PS-77 phonatory function analyzer were performed. Psychoacoustically, the voice quality before surgery was estimated moderately impaired, in general, with high grade Roughness accompanied by Asthenisity and Strainedness. Cases with more severe lesions showed much worse psychoacoustic evaluation results and severely impaired phonatoy function, but they also showed greater improvement after surgery. Phonatory function improved significantly within a month and psychoacoustic evaluation improved significantly from 1 to 3 months after surgery, though neither returned to the normal range. In conclusion, we consider that surgical therapy is appropriate in Type II and III cases, with voice therapy and cessation of smoking also necessary for good recovery.