What is Laryngoscopy?

Laryngoscopy is the visual exam of the voice box (larynx) and the vocal cords. There are two main kinds:

Indirect laryngoscopy—uses mirrors to examine the larynx and hypopharynx (a portion of the passageway to the lungs and stomach)

Direct laryngoscopy—uses a special instrument, most often a flexible scope

The Larynx © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Both are usually done in the office.

Laryngoscopy is used to examine and diagnose problems inside the throat. It is most often done:

• To diagnose the cause of a persistent cough, bloody cough, hoarseness, throat pain, or bad breath
• To evaluate reasons for difficulty swallowing
• To evaluate a possible cause for persistent earache
• To remove a foreign object
• To visualize a mass in the throat

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a laryngoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Pain
• Vomiting and gagging
• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Cuts on the bottom of the tongue from stretching it over the teeth
• Bleeding from the nose if the scope is passed through the nose
• Anesthesia-related problems

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Increasing pain
• Coughing up, spitting out, or vomiting blood
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Hoarse voice
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting

In case of emergency, CALL 911.