Microendoscopy of Reinke's space.

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Microendoscopy

Background:

• Current Reinke's space surgery involves vocal fold epithelium incision, risking tissue damage and scarring.
• Previous external approaches lacked direct visualization of Reinke's space.
• Limited-access surgery aims to minimize disruption and improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of limited-access microendoscopic surgery of the lamina propria via an external approach.
• To explore a novel method for accessing Reinke's space without epithelial disruption.

Main Methods:

• A cadaveric human larynx was used for dissection.
• Microendoscopes were inserted into Reinke's space through a cricothyroid membrane puncture and thyroid cartilage fenestration.
• Direct visualization of Reinke's space was achieved.

Main Results:

• Successful photodocumentation of Reinke's space, vocal fold epithelium undersurface, and vocal ligament was accomplished.
• Microendoscopes were advanced into Reinke's space via the described external access points.

Conclusions:

• Microendoscope advancements enable access to the superficial lamina propria without epithelial disruption.
• This microendoscopy approach to Reinke's space offers potential for enhanced treatment of vocal fold conditions like cysts, edema, and sulcus vocalis.