A laryngoscopy or microlaryngoscopy involves a close look at your voice box (larynx or vocal cords).
While you’re being put under general anaesthesia and asleep, the surgeon will insert a metal tube, known as a laryngoscope, through your mouth into your larynx (voice box). A camera, functioning as a microscope, will then be used to examine the larynx.
This allows the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to examine the reasons behind your vocal issues, such as hoarseness. If necessary, the doctor might remove any abnormal growths or a portion of the voice box lining for further analysis in a lab (biopsy).
Based on the nature of the growth a laser may occasionally be employed for its elimination. Microlaryngoscopy is a brief procedure and typically concludes in under 30 minutes. While under general anaesthesia, the anaesthesiologist will, utilizing the anaesthetic medication, maintain you in a state of deep sleep.
You might feel a mild discomfort in your throat. However, there’s a very minimal chance of damaging a tooth because of the metal tube. A bruise on the vocal cords could lead to a short-term change in the sound of your voice. Bleeding and infection could also happen during the surgery or in the days following it.
The procedure is often carried out either as a day procedure or a one-night hospital stay. In either scenario, you will only be discharged from the hospital once you are feeling sufficiently recovered.
At least one week off work/school.
f you had any tissue samples removed, they usually need a few days to analyse in a research lab. Your doctor will plan to revisit you to discuss the outcomes, which usually occurs between 2 to 6 weeks following the procedure.
Do I need to stop talking? If you have had a biopsy or surgery to the voice box, do not use your voice at all for two days.
Utilise pen and paper or hand signals to convey messages. Following that, employ a soft-spoken tone for a week, meaning speaking quietly and sparingly only when needed.
In a case of a microlaryngoscopy (where the physicians only looked at the throat and vocal cords), you don’t need to completely rest your voice. Speak softly and sparingly for the initial five days.
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