Microlaryngoscopy

A microlaryngoscopy is examining the voice box under a general anaesthetic.

Why is it done?

We can usually view the area of the voice box in the clinic, using a flexible telescope. A microlaryngoscopy may be needed if the area needs to be viewed with greater magnification, if a biopsy needs to be taken, or if examination in the clinic with a mirror or the flexible telescope is not possible eg in children.

How is the operation done?

The operation is performed under a full general anaesthetic and is usually possible as a day case. It takes about 10-15 minutes in all. Under the anaesthetic the voice box is examined using a rigid metal telescope passed via the mouth, with a microscope moved into position to examine the area in more detail. Sometimes small biopsies are taken and are sent away for analysis.

Viewing the area of the voice box with a rigid telescope puts upward pressure on the top front teeth. Make sure you let the surgeon and anaesthetist know if you have false teeth, crowns or loose teeth before the surgery. It is also important that we know about any problems you may have opening your mouth or extending your neck.

What to expect afterwards

You will need to rest after the general anaesthetic. You will usually be able to go home on the same day as the operation, but you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours after the operation. You should not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours.

You may have some soreness in the throat for a few days, but this should respond to simple painkillers. You may have some neck stiffness for a day or two, and perhaps a general aching of all your muscles the day after the operation. You are unlikely to have any bleeding or difficulty breathing, but if you do, you should report to your nearest Emergency Department.

If a local anaesthetic spray has been used, you should not drink hot drinks until the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off (usually no more than an hour or two). If a biopsy has been taken from either vocal cord, we will advise you to rest your voice for about five days. This includes whispering.

You should have at least 48 hours off work. If you are on strict voice rest, you may need to be off work for five days. Please ask the nursing staff for a fit note before you leave the hospital if you need one.

You will be informed before discharge from hospital if we are arranging any follow-up appointments in the ENT clinic. If a biopsy is taken, this would normally be about three weeks later.

Where can I find out more about the operation?

We would recommend the ENT UK: website www.entuk.org
This has information about microlaryngoscopy.

Useful contact numbers

Dorset County Hospital Switchboard – 01305 251150

ENT secretaries (Dorchester)
Mr Ford 01305 255138
Mr Tsirves 01305 253167
Mr De Zoysa 01305 255138
Mr Sim 01305 254205
Mr Lale 01305 255510
Mr Kenway 01305 255138
Mr Chatzimichalis 01305 255510

ENT secretaries (Yeovil)
01935 384210

About this leaflet

Author: Mr Glen Ford, ENT Consultant
Reviewed by: Mr Bruno Kenway, ENT Consultant, March 2020
Approved: August 2020
Review date: August 2023
Edition: 2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk