Direct Rigid Laryngoscopy

Direct rigid laryngoscopy is a procedure to look at the vocal cords or larynx. A laryngoscope is a rigid, hollow tube with a light attached. Using this tool, your healthcare provider can look behind your tongue and down your throat to your vocal cords. A tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken for study in a lab, or an abnormal growth can be removed. The procedure can also be performed to make vocal cord injections. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your procedure and why it is being performed.  

 

Risks and possible complications The risks of this procedure include: Temporary loss of taste or change in taste Bleeding Infection Gagging Vomiting Cuts in the mouth or throat Injury to the teeth Risks of anesthesia

 

Getting ready for the procedure

Prepare for the procedure as you have been instructed. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery. Your healthcare provider will let you know. Also, follow any directions you are given about not eating or drinking before surgery.

 

The day of the procedure

 The procedure takes about one hour. You will likely go home the same day.

 

Before the procedure

Here is what to expect before the procedure begins:

• An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
• You will be given medicine (anesthesia) to keep you pain free during surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep-sleep-like state. 

During the procedure

Here is what to expect during the procedure:

• You will lie on your back on a table. You may need to extend your head and straighten your neck to allow the endoscope to pass. Let your healthcare provider know if you have neck problems. The scope is put into your mouth and passed down into the throat.
• Your healthcare provider examines the larynx and surrounding areas with the scope. If needed, a biopsy is done using small tools put through the scope.
• If a growth is found, tools can be put through the scope to remove it.
• If an injection to your vocal cords is needed, it can be performed during the procedure.

After the procedure

You will be taken to a room to wake up from the anesthesia. At first your throat may be sore and scratchy. Your voice may be hoarse, making it difficult to talk. It also may be hard to swallow. You will receive medicine to control pain. When you are released to go home, have an adult family member or friend ready to drive or take you home.

 

Recovering at home

Once home, follow any instructions you have been given. Be sure to:

• Take pain medicine as directed.
• Drink plenty of water as soon as you can swallow normally.
• Use throat lozenges as advised by your healthcare provider to help ease throat soreness.
• Rest your voice as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Follow-up

Within a few weeks, you will see your healthcare provider for a follow-up visit. During this visit your provider will discuss the results of the procedure. Depending on what was found you may need further evaluation and treatment.

 

When to call your healthcare provider After you get home, call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911) Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider Problems swallowing that prevent you from eating or drinking Pain that does not go away even after taking pain medicine Severe nausea or vomiting Bloody vomit

Direct Rigid Laryngoscopy

Direct rigid laryngoscopy is a procedure to look at the vocal cords or larynx. A laryngoscope is a rigid, hollow tube with a light attached. Using this tool, your healthcare provider can look behind your tongue and down your throat to your vocal cords. A tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken for study in a lab, or an abnormal growth can be removed. The procedure can also be performed to make vocal cord injections. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your procedure and why it is being performed.  

 

Risks and possible complications The risks of this procedure include: Temporary loss of taste or change in taste Bleeding Infection Gagging Vomiting Cuts in the mouth or throat Injury to the teeth Risks of anesthesia

 

Getting ready for the procedure

Prepare for the procedure as you have been instructed. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery. Your healthcare provider will let you know. Also, follow any directions you are given about not eating or drinking before surgery.

 

The day of the procedure

 The procedure takes about one hour. You will likely go home the same day.

 

Before the procedure

Here is what to expect before the procedure begins:

• An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
• You will be given medicine (anesthesia) to keep you pain free during surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep-sleep-like state. 

During the procedure

Here is what to expect during the procedure:

• You will lie on your back on a table. You may need to extend your head and straighten your neck to allow the endoscope to pass. Let your healthcare provider know if you have neck problems. The scope is put into your mouth and passed down into the throat.
• Your healthcare provider examines the larynx and surrounding areas with the scope. If needed, a biopsy is done using small tools put through the scope.
• If a growth is found, tools can be put through the scope to remove it.
• If an injection to your vocal cords is needed, it can be performed during the procedure.

After the procedure

You will be taken to a room to wake up from the anesthesia. At first your throat may be sore and scratchy. Your voice may be hoarse, making it difficult to talk. It also may be hard to swallow. You will receive medicine to control pain. When you are released to go home, have an adult family member or friend ready to drive or take you home.

 

Recovering at home

Once home, follow any instructions you have been given. Be sure to:

• Take pain medicine as directed.
• Drink plenty of water as soon as you can swallow normally.
• Use throat lozenges as advised by your healthcare provider to help ease throat soreness.
• Rest your voice as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Follow-up

Within a few weeks, you will see your healthcare provider for a follow-up visit. During this visit your provider will discuss the results of the procedure. Depending on what was found you may need further evaluation and treatment.

 

When to call your healthcare provider After you get home, call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911) Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider Problems swallowing that prevent you from eating or drinking Pain that does not go away even after taking pain medicine Severe nausea or vomiting Bloody vomit

Direct Rigid Laryngoscopy

Direct rigid laryngoscopy is a procedure to look at the vocal cords or larynx. A laryngoscope is a rigid, hollow tube with a light attached. Using this tool, your healthcare provider can look behind your tongue and down your throat to your vocal cords. A tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken for study in a lab, or an abnormal growth can be removed. The procedure can also be performed to make vocal cord injections. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about your procedure and why it is being performed.  

 

Risks and possible complications The risks of this procedure include: Temporary loss of taste or change in taste Bleeding Infection Gagging Vomiting Cuts in the mouth or throat Injury to the teeth Risks of anesthesia

 

Getting ready for the procedure

Prepare for the procedure as you have been instructed. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery. Your healthcare provider will let you know. Also, follow any directions you are given about not eating or drinking before surgery.

 

The day of the procedure

 The procedure takes about one hour. You will likely go home the same day.

 

Before the procedure

Here is what to expect before the procedure begins:

• An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
• You will be given medicine (anesthesia) to keep you pain free during surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep-sleep-like state. 

During the procedure

Here is what to expect during the procedure:

• You will lie on your back on a table. You may need to extend your head and straighten your neck to allow the endoscope to pass. Let your healthcare provider know if you have neck problems. The scope is put into your mouth and passed down into the throat.
• Your healthcare provider examines the larynx and surrounding areas with the scope. If needed, a biopsy is done using small tools put through the scope.
• If a growth is found, tools can be put through the scope to remove it.
• If an injection to your vocal cords is needed, it can be performed during the procedure.

After the procedure

You will be taken to a room to wake up from the anesthesia. At first your throat may be sore and scratchy. Your voice may be hoarse, making it difficult to talk. It also may be hard to swallow. You will receive medicine to control pain. When you are released to go home, have an adult family member or friend ready to drive or take you home.

 

Recovering at home

Once home, follow any instructions you have been given. Be sure to:

• Take pain medicine as directed.
• Drink plenty of water as soon as you can swallow normally.
• Use throat lozenges as advised by your healthcare provider to help ease throat soreness.
• Rest your voice as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Follow-up

Within a few weeks, you will see your healthcare provider for a follow-up visit. During this visit your provider will discuss the results of the procedure. Depending on what was found you may need further evaluation and treatment.

 

When to call your healthcare provider After you get home, call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911) Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider Problems swallowing that prevent you from eating or drinking Pain that does not go away even after taking pain medicine Severe nausea or vomiting Bloody vomit