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Definition

What is laryngoscopy?

A laryngoscopy is an examination procedure performed by a doctor to look at the back of the throat, voice box (larynx), and vocal cords.

This examination is usually done when you have inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis) or another disease that affects the voice box.

There are actually two types of laryngoscopy procedures, namely direct and indirect. Each procedure uses different equipment.

Direct laryngoscopy

Examination of the throat is carried out using a laryngoscope in the form of a thin, flexible, fiber-optic tube with a light and camera lens at the end. That way, the doctor can see the inside of the throat directly (direct).

The surgeon inserts the laryngoscope through the nose and into the back of the mouth. The larvae used also consist of different types, namely flexible and rigid laryngoscopes.

The use of both depends on the examination by the doctor. According to the American Cancer Society, a rigid laryngoscope can be used to take tissue samples (biopsy), remove polyps in the vocal cords or perform laser treatment.

The laryngocopy procedure is usually performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia so that the patient does not feel pain

Indirect laryngoscopy

In this procedure, the laryngoscope device is not used. Examination of the throat is carried out indirectly (indirectly) with a mirror and lamp.

The doctor will examine the back of the throat using a head device equipped with a light. Meanwhile the doctor will direct the observation in the throat using a small mirror.

When do I need to have laryngoscopy?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this throat check if you experience symptoms such as:

Bad breath that doesn't go away
Respiratory problems, including vocalized breathing (stridor)
Chronic cough
Coughing up blood
Sore throat when swallowing
Ear pain that doesn't go away
There is a foreign object or food stuck in the throat
Long-term upper respiratory problems in smokers
Tumor inside the head or neck area with signs of cancer
A sore throat that doesn't go away
Voice problems that last more than 3 weeks, including hoarseness, weakness, or loss of voice.
Experiencing breathing problems while sleeping or snoring

Direct laryngoscopy may also be useful for:

Take a tissue sample in the throat for closer examination under a microscope (biopsy)
Picking up objects that block the airways (for example, swallowed marbles or coins)

Direct rigid laryngoscopy is generally recommended for:

Children
People who choke easily due to structural abnormalities of the throat
People who may have symptoms of laryngitis or strep throat (pharyngitis)
People who have not recovered despite treatment for laryngitis

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having a throat exam?

The direct coping process is done in the operating room under general anesthesia so that you will fall asleep.

Meanwhile, indirect laryngoscopy is performed under local anesthesia around the throat so that it makes you a little uncomfortable. You will need to hold your mouth open for some time until the doctor's examination is finished.

Indirect laryngoscopy procedures are not usually performed on children under 10 years of age.

Process

What should I do before having a throat exam?

Your doctor will ask you not to eat and drink for 8 hours before the exam if you are getting certain types of anesthesia.

If you get light anesthesia (which you usually get when checked at a doctor's office), you don't need to fast. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.

You may be asked to stop taking several medications, including aspirin and certain blood thinners, clopidrogel (Plavix), for up to a week before performing the laryngoscopy.

How is laryngoscopy done?

In the examination of the throat, the laryngoscopy procedure can be performed in different ways depending on the method and type of laryngoscope used.

1. Indirect laryngoscopy

At the start of the indirect laryngoscopy procedure, a local anesthetic is injected into the inside of the throat to create a feeling of numbness or numbness.

Next, a small mirror will be inserted down your throat. Observation of the inside of the throat is carried out through an image seen in a mirror.

With the help of the light from the head device, the doctor can see the inside of the throat more clearly.

You don't need to be afraid of choking, nausea, or feeling a lump in your throat, as the mirror is small enough that it doesn't touch the wall of your throat.

In addition, the effects of the anesthetic will also help you feel more comfortable during the exam.

2. Direct laryngoscopy is flexible

In this direct laryngoscope, the doctor will use a flexible laryngoscope to look at the throat.

You may get medicine to dry the secretions in your nose and throat. This method helps the doctor see the inside of the throat more clearly.

Topical anesthetic may be sprayed in the throat to cause numbness or numbness around the throat. The laryngoscope is inserted into the nose and then gently moved down the throat.

After the laryngoscope is in the throat, the doctor may spray more medicine to keep the throat numb during the examination.

The doctor may also wipe or spray a medication into the nose which opens the nasal passages to open the air passages.

3. Direct rigid laryngoscopy

Before you undergo direct laryngoscopy with a rigid laryngoscope, remove all jewelry, dentures, and glasses. You must urinate before the test. You will be given a dress or paper dress to wear.

Direct rigid laryngoscopy is performed in the operating room. You will sleep (general anesthesia) and will not feel the scope in your throat.

You will lie on your stomach during this procedure. After falling asleep, a rigid laryngoscope is placed in the mouth and throat. The doctor will be able to see the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords.

Rigid laryngoscopy may also be useful for removing foreign objects in the throat, collecting tissue samples (biopsy), removing polyps from the vocal cords, and performing laser treatment.

The examination takes 15-30 minutes. You may get an ice pack to use on your throat to prevent swelling.

What should I do after a throat exam?

After the procedure, you will be watched by a nurse for a few hours until you are fully awake and able to swallow.

Do not eat or drink anything for about 2 hours after laryngoscopy or until you can swallow without choking. You can then start with a few sips of water.

When it's ready, you can eat normally. Do not clear your throat or cough vigorously for several hours after laryngoscopy. If the vocal cords are affected during laryngoscopy, rest the voice completely for 3 days.

If you do speak, do so in a normal tone of voice and don't talk for too long. Whispering or screaming can injure the vocal cords during the healing period.

You may have a hoarse voice for about 3 weeks after laryngoscopy if tissue is removed. If the nodule or wound is removed from the vocal cords, you may need to completely rest your voice (without speaking, whispering, or making any other sounds) for up to 2 weeks.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

After the procedure, your doctor will discuss the results and treatment options or send you to another doctor. If you have a biopsy, it will take 3-5 days to find the results.

Normal

The throat (larynx) is not swollen, injured, narrowed, or has a foreign object. The vocal cords do not have scar tissue, growths (tumors), or signs that they are not moving properly (paralysis).