Abstract: Objective To investigate the patterns of Reinke's edema of vocal fold and its outcomes following CO₂ laser Phonomicrosurgery. Methods 65 patients with Reinke's edema were evaluated by clinical manifestation, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic analysis and videostroboscopic examination for preoperation and post operation. Results The Reinke's edema were mainly senior patients. The vocal fold vibrate with increased mucosal wave and hypertrophy of false fold presented to compensate incomplete glottal closure more frequently in Reinke's edema. There was significantly difference in acoustic analysis between normal and lesions(P<0.01). F₀ of Reinke's edema was lower than that of control group(P<0.05). Vocal function recovered three months after operation steadily. Conclusion Reinke's edema is located within the whole cover layer of the vocal fold. CO₂ laser phonomicrosurgery can control the range of the operation delicately. Vocal function can recover steadily three months after operation.

Key words: Reinke's edema, acoustics, vocal folds, phonomicrosurgery