[Pathogenesis and clinical aspects of Reinke edema. Long-term studies]

Since 1973, 307 patients have been treated for Reinke's oedema in the ENT Department of the University of Marburg. A retrospective study from 1983 and observations up to 1989 investigated the aetiology and the prognosis of the disease. Two aetiological factors were found: smoking and voice abuse. Surgical treatment, stripping of the vocal cords as described by Kleinsasser was successful. There were no recurrences and no malignant degenerations. The prognosis was considered to be good. Two other long-term studies of Reinke's oedema are compared with our findings. Controversial opinions about the therapy are discussed.