Laryngoscopy is the visual exam of the voice box (larynx) and the vocal cords. There are two main kinds:
Indirect laryngoscopy—uses mirrors to examine the larynx and hypopharynx (a portion of the passageway to the lungs and stomach)
Direct laryngoscopy—uses a special instrument, most often a flexible scope
Laryngoscopy is used to examine and diagnose problems inside the throat. It is most often done:
If you are planning to have a laryngoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your doctor may do some of the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
Local or general anesthesia may be used for a laryngoscopy. Local anesthesia will numb the throat. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep.
During either type of laryngoscopy, photographs may be taken.
You will sit up straight in a high-back chair. A headrest will push your head and jaw forward. The anesthesia will be sprayed into your throat. You will need to gargle it and spit it out. Your tongue will be covered with gauze and held by the doctor. You will then need to breathe through your mouth as if panting. A warm mirror will be held at the back of the throat. The doctor will ask you to make an "eee" sound. The doctor will watch the larynx as you make the noise. If there is a foreign object, such as a chicken bone, it can be removed then.
The direct method is most often done after the indirect method. The direct method will allow the doctor to see a greater area. The direct method may also be used if your gag reflex did not allow a thorough exam during the indirect method. A special scope will be inserted through your nose or mouth and into your throat. Through an eyepiece on the scope, the doctor will examine the larynx. The doctor may then collect specimens, remove growths, or retrieve a foreign object trapped in the throat. This method is often done in the operating room under general anesthesia or in the office under local anesthesia.
An indirect laryngoscopy only takes a few minutes. A direct laryngoscopy takes about 5–45 minutes, depending on the problem.
Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. With a direct method, you may have a sore throat for a few days if a biopsy was done.
If any tissue was removed, it will be sent to be examined.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
The doctor may discuss the results and treatment options or refer you to a specialist. Biopsy results may take about 3-5 days.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org/
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp.
Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 3rd ed. WB Saunders Co.;1998.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Elie Edmond Rebiez, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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