Polypoid Corditis

Abstract

■ Polypoid corditis is a bilateral process characterized by expansion of Reinke’s space with gelatinous inflammatory material throughout the entire vocal fold, and is seen almost exclusively in smokers.

■ Surgical indications for polypoid corditis include symptomatic dysphonia despite medical management, airway encroachment/partial obstruction, or concern of malignancy.

■ Microflap surgery can be performed bilaterally, but incisions should not extend to the anterior vocal fold to avoid web formation. Alternatively, it is acceptable to operate unilaterally and stage the second procedure.

■ Removal of the polypoid material may require a high-vacuum suction device and/or manual extraction of loculated portions of the disease.

■ It is critical that some gelatinous material in the SLP should be left behind to reconstitute Reinke’s space and preserve vibratory characteristics.