[Reinke's edema: an investigation of questions related to etiology, prognosis and the effectiveness of therapeutic methods].
The Reinke-oedema is a very common disease. Although different therapeutic courses are reported on--both surgical and using voice therapy--follow-up studies on a larger patient group are rare in the literature. 48 patients, who consulted the Phoniatric Department of Hamburg-University--more than the half of them after an operation of the oedema--were included in this study. They where reinvestigated for the present research applying the same criteria. Here it is possible to point out some aspects only: middle aged women in speaking professions, who smoke are often affected. From operating measures used, the so-called "decortication" is the most invasive regarding voice function, but does not prevent recurrences. A consistent voice therapy can also result in a good voice function in these cases. Musosuction leads to faster voice rehabilitation, and there are fewer scars. Voice therapy combined with stopping smoking is necessary in every case. For less severe oedemas operation is not necessary; we would like to stress that voice therapy alone can produce a good voice function. But in all therapy groups a considerable breathing function remained. We found no evidence of beginning carcinomas. To obtain a good voice function, not every Reinke-oedema has to be operated on. But if an operation is performed, a consisted voice therapy must follow.