Micro-laryngeal surgery

What is it?

Micro-laryngeal surgery is performed for examining and performing fine surgeries on the vocal cords. 

What is the aim of the procedure?

The aim of the procedure is to remove benign lesion of the vocal cords thereby restoring the patient’s voice to almost its original quality.

What is done during the procedure?

The vocal cords are visualised by using a direct laryngoscope. Manipulation of the vocal cords lesion is performed using cold steel instruments and LASER.

The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthesia. If you have any concerns on the risks and benefits of anaesthesia , please discuss with anaesthetist prior to surgery. 

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

• Infection can occur requiring Antibiotics for further treatment.

• Bleeding can occur, if patient is on Blood thinner drugs (Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel)

• Injury to the lips, teeth, gums or tongue.

• Swelling of the tissues of the airway will lead to difficulty in breathing, requiring insertion of breathing tube through mouth till swelling resolves. Rarely a tracheostomy may be required, the need of which will explained to you.

• Voice change may occur from of the lesion from the larynx. Voice change may persist and may not respond to treatment.

Post-operative care and follow-up:

Discomfort may be present in the throat for a day or two after the procedure, which will resolve spontaneously. Oral feed can be started a few hours after the procedure. Patient will be discharged on the same day or the day after. Strict voice rest is to be followed for a week post-procedure. Speech therapy is to be undertaken after that to prevent recurrence of the lesion.