WHY IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Direct Laryngoscopy
- Laryngeal masses
- Vocal cord nodule
- Vocal cord polyps
- Papillomas
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Laryngeal foreign bodies
- Laryngeal trauma
- Paralyzed vocal cords
Bronchoscopy
- Bronchial masses
- Bronchial foreign bodies
- Aspiration and perforating neck trauma
Esophagoscopy
- Esophageal masses
- Esophageal foreign bodies
- Aspiration and perforating neck trauma
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
- In the operating room under general anesthesia
- Usually done as an outpatient, unless being performed for trauma
- Pre-op labs may be required
- Chest x-ray and EKG may be required if patient is over the age of 50 or if heart or lung problems exist
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
- Mild discomfort lasting a few days
- Difficulty swallowing
- Minor bleeding
- Biopsy reports (if taken) to return in five days or less
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE SURGERY?
- Take antibiotics and pain medications given by the doctor
- Slowly advance diet as tolerated
- Drink cool liquids (water, milk, low acid juices, ice cream, Jell-O) during the first day
- Take Tylenol for pain
- Call the doctor if unable to drink liquids
- Return for follow-up in 10 days
