Mean airflow rates in laryngeal polyposis

This study assesses the laryngeal airflow characteristics in 10 patients with laryngeal polyposis before and after surgical excision. The results indicate that mean airflow rates in the presence of polyps are a reflection of two mechanical processes. Narrow based polyps splint the glottis open during phonation, thus increasing flow rates, whereas large broader based polyps tend to obstruct the glottis and reduce the airflow. The results suggest that mean airflow rates may be used to measure the improvement in laryngeal function following surgical intervention in individual patients.