Reinke’s Edema: Cold Steel Versus Radiofrequency Coblation

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the effects of radiofrequency (RF) coblation and cold steel (CS) surgery for the treatment of Reinke’s edema (RE). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 61 patients with RE, with 33 (54.1%) in the CS surgery group and 28 (45.9%) in the RF coblation group. The primary endpoints were the bilateral operation time and dyspnea severity, assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included subjective and objective vocal assessments, laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) images, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores obtained before and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Results: The average bilateral operation time was significantly shorter in the RF coblation group (24.2 ± 3.9 min) compared to the CS group (38.4 ± 5.2 min) ( P = .041). All patients experienced a decrease in their Dyspnea Severity Index (DSI) scores postoperatively, with no significant differences observed between the two groups at any time point. However, improvements in the grade of hoarseness, roughness, and asthenia were significantly greater in the RF coblation group than in the CS group ( P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in breathiness and strain between the two groups. The average VHI-10 score significantly decreased from preoperative values in both groups ( P < .001), with no significant differences observed between the two groups at any time point. Conclusions: The RF coblation procedure is a reliable and safe method for RE surgery, offering an effective treatment choice for RE.