Laryngeal Endoscopy

When coughs, sore throats or other symptoms fail to improve or the source remains
elusive, laryngoscopy may be performed to help determine the cause of the symptoms.
A laryngoscope is a specialized instrument used by ENT specialists to visualize the
larynx, also known as the voice box.

The larynx is the area of the throat that sits at the top of the windpipe or trachea. It is
farther down your throat than what you typically see when you open your mouth wide.
The larynx helps us breath, swallow and talk. Our vocal cords are housed in the larynx
and they are responsible for making the vibrations that create the sounds we use to
communicate and make music.

Laryngoscopes help ENT specialists visualize the structures of the larynx and identify
sources of obstruction, chronic hoarseness, voice disorders, swallowing problems, or
abnormal growths. Types of Laryngoscopy include

• Direct fiber-optic laryngoscopy – Also called a flexible laryngoscopy, this
  type of scope has a small telescope at the end of a fiber-optic cable allowing the
  physician to visualize the structures and tissues as the tube goes up the nose
  and down to the larynx. It too takes about 5-10 minutes or less in the office with
  numbing medication that can be applied to your nose and throat.
• Direct laryngoscopy – This procedure is performed in the operating room.
  Direct laryngoscopy is most often done to remove small growths or collect
  samples of tissue for testing. It can take about 30 minutes under general
  anesthesia to minimize discomfort and reduce natural reflexes that can interfere
  with the procedure.

If a laryngoscopy procedure has been recommended for you, we would be happy to go over the details and answer any questions you may have.