What is Laryngoscopy

Laryngoscopy is a procedure used to look at the back of the throat, vocal cords, and voice box (larynx). It is done using a small mirror, a flexible tube with a camera at the end (laryngoscope), or both.

Laryngoscopy may be done to remove a piece of throat tissue for lab testing (biopsy) or to see an area of the throat more clearly. The results from the laryngoscopy may determine why you have:

• A cough.
• Voice changes, such as hoarseness.
• Throat pain.
• Ear pain.
• Abnormal growths in the throat.
• Problems swallowing or breathing.

LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Previous surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Gagging or vomiting.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• If you will receive a medicine to help you relax (sedative), plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
• If you will receive a medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic) and you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• To reduce your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
• You will be given one or more of the following:
  • A sedative.
  • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic). This is commonly used for this procedure. It is sprayed into your nose or mouth and on the back of your throat.
  • A general anesthetic. If you receive a general anesthetic, it may be given through an IV tube inserted into one of your veins or through a mask that is placed over your nose and mouth.
• Your tongue will be moved out of the way with a gauze pad.
• Your health care provider may hold a mirror and look at the back of your throat.
• Your health care provider may insert a laryngoscope into your nose or mouth and move it into your throat. Your health care provider will look at your throat through an eyepiece on the laryngoscope, or at an image on a video screen in the room.
• One or more pieces of throat tissue may be removed for a biopsy.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You may have a sore throat.
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level may be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
• You may be asked to rest your voice for some time after the procedure.
• If a biopsy was done, you may be told to avoid coughing, whispering, yelling, or clearing your throat.

Laryngoscopy, Care After

Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• A sore throat.
• A hoarse voice.
• A temporary change in how your voice sounds.

Follow these instructions at home:

Driving

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a medicine to help you relax (sedative).

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
  • If your laryngoscopy was done using medicine to numb only your throat (local anesthetic), you may be able to return to your normal activities right away.
• If your health care provider took tissue from your throat for lab testing (biopsy), it is your responsibility to get your test results. Ask your health care provider or the department performing the procedure when your results will be ready.
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You develop a cough.
• You develop nausea and vomiting.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe pain.
• You have chest pain.
• You have new bleeding during coughing, spitting, or vomiting.
• You develop new problems with swallowing.
• You have difficulty breathing.