Definition: Accumulation of fluid in Reinke’s space Synonyms Bilateral diffuse polyposis, Smoker’s polyps, Polypoid corditis, Polypoid degeneration of vocal cords, Localized hypertrophic laryngitis 10% of benign laryngeal lesions of larynx

1. Reinke’s edema
Dr. Krishna Koirala

2. • Definition: Accumulation of fluid in Reinke’s space
• Synonyms
• Bilateral diffuse polyposis, Smoker’s polyps,
Polypoid corditis, Polypoid degeneration of vocal
cords, Localized hypertrophic laryngitis
• 10% of benign laryngeal lesions of larynx

3. • Etiology
− Irritants : tobacco smoke, dry air, dust, alcohol
− Laryngeal allergy
− Infection: chronic sinusitis
− Idiopathic
• Edema limited to superior surface of vocal cord (dense fibrous
attachment to conus elasticus on undersurface of vocal cord)

4. Clinical Features
• Common in men b/w 30 – 60 years
• Hoarseness : monotonous low-pitch
• Diplophonia : asymmetric vocal cord involvement
• Stridor : B/L gross edema
• Early cases : ed convexity of medial cord margin
• Late cases
− Pale, watery bags of fluid on superior surface
of vocal cords, move to & fro on phonation
− Fusiform swelling of the vocal cords

5. Treatment
• Elimination of causative factors (Stop smoking)
• Vocal cord stripping (decortication) under MLS
• Postero -anterior incision made on superior vocal cord surface →
edematous fluid sucked out → edematous tissue removed with
cup forceps
• Voice therapy : 1 wk before & 3 wks after surgery