Why is this procedure done?
The larynx is also called the voice box. It is a hollow tube that makes sounds when we speak. It houses the vocal cords that help us talk with each other. It also acts like a door that lets air in and keeps food out of the lungs. Doctors do a laryngoscopy to look at your larynx. They may also remove objects that are blocking the back of the throat and larynx. Sometimes, the doctor may take a small sample of tissue to send to the lab for testing. Your doctor may order the procedure to: ‚
- See the cause of coughing, throat pain, bleeding, hoarseness, or bad breath
- Diagnose voice problems
- Check if your throat and larynx is inflamed, narrowed, or blocked
- Check tumors in the throat and vocal cords and see if they are cancer
- Know if a problem inside the larynx is causing your ear pain
- Remove objects stuck inside the throat
- Check injury to the throat or blockages in the breathing passages
What will the results be?
Your doctor will see the back of your throat. Your doctor will be able to learn more about what is causing the problems in your larynx. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the procedure room, you will sit on a comfortable chair or lie on an exam table.
- You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure. The staff may put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Sometimes, you are awake for this procedure. Other times, you are asleep. The doctor will spray your throat with a numbing drug and it may taste bitter.
- This procedure may be done in different ways. Talk to your doctor about which is the best way for you.
- Indirect Laryngoscopy
- This may be done in the doctors office. Your doctor will use a small hand mirror held at the back of the throat. The doctor shines a light in your mouth and wears a mirror on the head. This reflects the light to the back of your throat.
- You will stick out your tongue or the doctor may help you. The doctor will use a mirror to see your larynx with the help of the light. The doctor will be able to see your larynx, vocal cords, and part of your lungs.
- Indirect laryngoscopy is not done as much now because a flexible laryngoscope lets your doctor see better and is more comfortable for you.
- Direct Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
- There are two kinds of scopes. A flexible scope may be used in the office or in the operating room. Most often, a rigid scope is used during surgery.
- Your doctor will use a special tool called a laryngoscope or scope. It is put in through your mouth or nose and down into your throat. If you are awake, your doctor will ask you to swallow. The doctor will be able to see images from a camera on the end of the scope. They will be shown on a monitor inside the exam room.
- Your doctor may remove a tissue sample. This is done by putting a small tool inside the laryngoscope.
- Your doctor will remove the tools and clean your mouth.
- The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may go home after the procedure.
- You may have discomfort and numbness in your throat after the procedure. You may notice the discomfort more when the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor may give you drugs for this.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Do not eat or drink anything until the numbness in your throat goes away.
- You may have an upset stomach after the procedure. Eat small amounts of soft foods for the day of surgery. Avoid foods that have milk, as they cause mucus in the throat.
- Suck on ice chips or lozenges to help ease throat pain.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Ask your doctor when you will have results from the procedure. Together you can make plans for more treatment, if needed.
What problems could happen?
- Injury to the structures around your larynx
- Throat pain
- Tongue soreness or numbness
- Injury to teeth
- Infection after biopsy
- Hoarse voice
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Numbness does not go away
- Redness and numbness on your tongue
- Loss of voice
- Spit or saliva with blood
- Breathing problems
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emmi_kids/emmi_laryngoscopy.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚