[Late results in the removal of vocal-cord polyps]

A follow-up of 60 patients in whom polyps of the vocal cord have been removed between 1966 and 1974 is analyzed. Two thirds of the patients were male, mostly between 30 and 55 years of age. Most of the female patients were between 25 and 60. The most frequent localization was the typical one between the anterior and middle third of the vocal cord (47 patients). In 38 patients a direct laryngoscopy in local anaesthesia was performed; in 22 the removal of the polyps was done in microlaryngoscopy under general anaesthesia. The follow-up shows no recurrence. 55 patients had a clear voice, the remaining 5 showed signs of chronic laryngitis. It is concluded that microlaryngoscopy under general anaesthesia is indicated in cases of unfavourable anatomical configuration of the neck, sessile polyps or in cases where precise endoscopical manipulations are called for. The direct laryngoscopy remains an approved method in favourable cases, for instance pendular polyps, as these represent an affection of the vocal cord which shows no tendency to recurrence after mediculous removal.