Definition
Definition
Laryngoscopy is the visual exam of the voice box, also called the larynx, and the vocal cords. It can be done as:
- Indirect laryngoscopy—uses mirrors to examine the larynx and hypopharynx, which is a portion of the passageway to the lungs and stomach
- Direct laryngoscopy—uses a special instrument, most often a flexible scope
Both procedures are usually done in the office.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Laryngoscopy is used to examine and diagnose problems inside the throat. It is most often done:
- To assist in intubation to help with breathing for surgery or serious illness
- To diagnose the cause of a persistent cough, bloody cough, hoarseness, throat pain, or bad breath
- To evaluate reasons for difficulty swallowing
- To evaluate a possible cause for persistent earache
- To remove a foreign object
- To visualize a mass in the throat
- To biopsy tissue inside the throat
- To remove polyps inside the throat
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Pain
- Vomiting and gagging
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
- Cuts on the bottom of the tongue from stretching it over the teeth
- Bleeding from the nose if the scope is passed through the nose
- Anesthesia-related problems
- Breathing problems from swelling
- Infection
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
After a physical exam, you may have the following imaging tests:
Leading up to your procedure:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure if a general anesthetic or sedation is given.
- If you will have general anesthesia, you will probably be told not to eat or drink anything for eight hours before the exam. For office procedures under local anesthesia, there is no need to fast.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
Anesthesia
Local or general anesthesia may be used for a laryngoscopy. Local anesthesia will numb the throat. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep.
Description of the Procedure
During either type of laryngoscopy, photographs may be taken.
Indirect Laryngoscopy
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. 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 a specific sound and watch the larynx. If there is a foreign object, such as a chicken bone, it can be removed.
Direct Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
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. The larynx will be examined through an eyepiece on the scope. 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.
How Long Will It Take?
An indirect laryngoscopy only takes a few minutes. A direct laryngoscopy takes about 5–45 minutes, depending on the problem.
Will It Hurt?
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.
Postoperative Care
If any tissue was removed, it will be sent to be examined.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, which may include:
- Do not smoke for 24 hours after the procedure. Smoke irritates the throat.
- Do not try to swallow until your gag reflex returns. Spit out saliva and secretions. The gag reflex should return in about 2 hours. At this time, throat lozenges or a liquid gargle will help decrease hoarseness and throat irritation. Drinking water is encouraged.
- If a biopsy was taken, avoid clearing your throat or coughing.
The doctor may discuss the results and treatment options or refer you to a specialist. Biopsy results may take about 3-5 days.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the care center. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Increasing pain
- Coughing up, spitting out, or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Hoarse voice
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgery/laryngoscopy.html
Updated March 2013. Accessed May 23, 2014.
Laryngoscopy and biopsy. NetDoctor website. Available at:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/surgical-procedures/laryngoscopy-and-biopsy.htm
Updated July 6, 2009. Accessed May 23, 2014.
Last Updated: 5/23/2014