Microlaryngoscopy (Vocal cord surgery)

In a microlaryngoscopy procedure, the vocal folds in the throat are observed in greater detail with magnification enabled by microscope or endoscope or video enlargement. A microlaryngoscopy is often accompanied by an additional procedure such as removal of a mass, swelling or tumour that can be done either through using delicate instruments or laser.

A microlaryngoscopy is an hour-long (sometimes longer) procedure that’s performed under general anaesthesia.

Conditions treated

  • Hoarseness due to vocal cord disorder (Link to Hoarseness condition)
  • Removal of nodules or polyps on the vocal folds

Why this surgery?

  • Immediate treatment is required if symptoms include laryngeal trauma, fracture, or dislocation and acute airway obstruction for vocal cord dysfunction, airway hematoma/bleeding, or edema, otherwise it can be life-threatening.
  • If a person suffers from hoarseness for more than two weeks then there might be a chance of larynx cancer and immediate treatment must be done.

Benefits

This procedure locates the underlying cause of the voice problem. If it is possible, the surgeon adds a procedure to improve the quality of the voice.

Know more about Microlaryngoscopy (Vocal cord surgery)

  • Till the preceding night of the surgery, duly take all medications prescribed by the ENT surgeon.
  • Do not eat anything at all from midnight onwards prior to the surgery day.
  • If the patient’s is suffering from cough, cold, fever or throat pain, it must be mentioned to the doctor and anaesthetist. 
  • If the patient is allergic to any drugs that should be mentioned as well.
  • The patient will not be allowed any drink or food till 4-5 hours after the surgery. After that water can be given to sip.
  • Do not whisper or shout as these activities strain your vocal cords. Complete rest of voice is required for about a week.
  • The patient will be discharged either on the same day or next day of the surgery.
  • The patient must take all the medications on schedule as prescribed by the surgeon.
  • Feeling soreness, dryness and lumpiness in throat are normal after this surgery.
  • If one’s profession requires extensive voice usage, it is advised to take a break from work for minimum 3 weeks to let the vocal cords heal.

The patient is required to visit the OPD for weekly reviews for three weeks post-surgery. The surgeon will decide on further follow-up visits

  • The laryngoscope inserted through the mouth might put pressure on the upper jaw which can result in chipped tooth, despite adequate protection.
  • Sometimes the tongue might get pinched between the laryngoscope and the lower jaw causing the nerve (on one side or both) to get pressurized, thus causing numbness of tongue which can last up to a few weeks.
  • While the medical team will work to the highest ability, a few surgery outcomes may be less than satisfactory.
  • Though bleeding risk in a microlaryngoscopy is   nominal, but blood thinning medications might cause bleeding.
  • Sometimes, a larynx infection or voice box swelling can turn severe to exert pressure on the wind pipe leading to breathing difficulties.
  • Though the laser is a safe tool in expert surgical hands, but in some extremely rare case some  complications might arise due to laser.

Why Dr Rao’s ENT?

Best Success Rate – It has an effective rate of 96.3%

Facilities Available

World Class Technology

  • Storz Pulsar ii Stroboscope (Germany)- For diagnosing vocal cord disorders.
  • Zeiss Vario Microscope (Germany)- Brings precision in Larynx procedures
  • Lumenis AcuPulse DUO with complete ENT accessories (USA) –
    It has a combination of precision transoral laser microsurgery to treat tumors of the throat and larynx, and the flexibility of fiber-delivered laser energy to treat hard-to-reach anatomy.
    Enables Bloodless & millimetre precision surgeries.
    Combines fibre & free beam laser technologies
    CO2 fibres transmitting an aiming beam
  • Diode Laser-Useful for laryngeal surgeries such as removal of nodules, polyp etc
Our Microlaryngoscopy (Vocal cord surgery) Experts

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