When is Laryngeal Scopy Recommended?

• Persistent hoarseness or voice change lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Throat pain, globus sensation (lump in throat), or chronic cough
• Difficulty swallowing or suspected aspiration
• Suspected vocal cord lesions — nodules, polyps, cysts, or masses
• Airway evaluation before surgery or after neck trauma
• Follow-up after laryngeal surgery or radiation

Types of Laryngeal Scopy

1. Flexible Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy (In-Clinic)

Done awake in the clinic using a thin flexible scope passed through the nose. Quick, well tolerated with topical anaesthetic spray, and allows dynamic assessment of swallowing and voice.

2. Rigid Laryngoscopy / Microlaryngoscopy (OR)

Performed under general anaesthesia using a rigid endoscope and operating microscope. Enables superior image quality, stroboscopy, precise biopsy, and microsurgery of the vocal cords.

3. Stroboscopy / Videostroboscopy

High-speed or strobe light examination used to assess vocal fold vibration — essential for professional voice evaluation and subtle disorders.

Common Symptoms Prompting Laryngeal Evaluation

• Hoarseness, breathy or weak voice
• Persistent throat pain or sensation of a lump
• Chronic cough, throat clearing, or voice fatigue
• Noisy breathing, stridor, or shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing or coughing with liquids

How the Procedure Is Performed

Flexible laryngoscopy is usually an office procedure; rigid laryngoscopy is done under anaesthesia when intervention is planned.

• Topical nasal anaesthetic/decongestant is applied for flexible scopy
• The flexible scope is passed gently through the nose to visualise the nasopharynx, larynx, and vocal cords
• Patient may phonate, breathe, cough, or swallow on command to assess function
• If biopsy or microsurgery is required, rigid microlaryngoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia
• Stroboscopy may be added to evaluate vibratory function of the vocal folds

Images or video clips are often recorded for documentation and to guide therapy (voice therapy, surgery, or medical treatment).

Common Endoscopic Findings

• Vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, or Reinke’s oedema
• Granulomas, contact ulcers, or scarring/immobility
• Laryngeal papillomatosis or suspicious masses requiring biopsy
• Subglottic stenosis, laryngomalacia (in infants), or inflammatory changes

Benefits of Diagnostic Laryngeal Scopy

• Direct visualisation of voice box allows accurate diagnosis
• Quick, office-based assessment with immediate feedback
• Enables targeted therapy planning — voice therapy, medical treatment, or surgery
• Stroboscopy provides functional assessment critical for professional voice users

Preparation & Aftercare

Preparation

• No special fasting for in-clinic flexible scopy; follow instructions if rigid scopy is planned under anaesthesia
• Inform the doctor about blood thinners, allergies, and recent illnesses

Aftercare

• Mild throat numbness or watering eyes for a short while after topical anaesthetic
• If biopsy performed, follow post-op instructions regarding diet, voice rest and signs of bleeding
• Follow-up based on findings — voice therapy, medications, or surgical planning

Risks & Limitations

• Rare discomfort, gagging, mild nosebleed or transient voice change
• Transient vasovagal reaction (fainting) is uncommon
• Invasive sampling requires anaesthesia and has standard surgical risks

Why Choose Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan?

Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan provides expert laryngeal assessment using modern flexible scopes, stroboscopy and microlaryngoscopic techniques. Care is personalised — from accurate diagnosis to voice rehabilitation or microsurgery when needed.

• Office-based flexible laryngoscopy with video recording for documentation
• Access to stroboscopy and microlaryngoscopy for advanced voice assessment
• Close collaboration with speech-language therapists and ENT surgeons for optimal outcomes
• Clear explanation of findings and a stepwise treatment plan

If you experience persistent voice changes, throat discomfort, noisy breathing, or swallowing difficulties, book a diagnostic laryngeal scopy for a precise evaluation and personalised management plan.