Laryngoscopy Explained

A lot of medical terms can sound scary and confusing at first. As someone who has spent years in the healthcare industry, I’ve learned that understanding what’s involved in various examinations and tests can help to demystify the process and allow you to prepare properly for your procedure. One such examination is the laryngoscopy, a procedure that’s essential for assessing issues within the throat and voice box.

A laryngoscopy is a type of examination that’s focused specifically on your voice box, or larynx. The larynx is positioned between your throat and your windpipe. During the procedure, a laryngoscope is gently inserted into the larynx to allow clinicians a closer look at the vocal cords and area around the larynx.

Although it’s a very common otolaryngology procedure, you may still feel concerned if you’ve been advised to undergo a laryngoscopy. To help put your mind at ease and help you understand what to expect, I’m sharing my experience and taking an in-depth look at laryngoscopies and the various products that can assist with these procedures, such as the flexible laryngoscope options available at Medshop Australia.

The Larynx Explained

The larynx (voice box) is a small but vital part of your respiratory system. Sitting between your trachea (airway) and your throat, it contains your vocal cords, also known as your vocal folds. It’s your vocal cords that allow you to speak and sing. Any damage to this area could affect your ability to communicate.

Just at the top of your larynx you’ll find the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat. It’s usually open and upright to allow air to pass into your larynx and windpipe. However, when you eat or drink, the epiglottis folds backwards to cover the entrance to the larynx so that food and water don’t get into your airway.

 

Types of Laryngoscopy

There are three main types of laryngoscopy. These are: direct, indirect and fibreoptic. The procedure used will depend on your symptoms and on your doctor’s initial diagnoses.

An indirect laryngoscopy is a quick and simple procedure that can be carried out in a doctor’s office. During an indirect laryngoscopy, a small mirror is placed at the back of the throat and a light is shone into the patient’s mouth. This allows the doctor to examine the larynx, vocal cords, and hypopharynx. Though non-invasive, this technique can cause gagging and so is not commonly used with children as they find it difficult to tolerate.

A fibreoptic laryngoscopy, also known as a flexible laryngoscopy, is used when doctors need to see more deeply into the throat. During a fibreoptic laryngoscopy, a cable is inserted into the nose and then down into the throat. This cable has a small telescope or video camera at its end, allowing doctors to closely examine all parts of the larynx. 

During a direct laryngoscopy, your doctor will use a laryngoscope blade to push down your tongue and lift your epiglottis. This allows direct access to the larynx and is most commonly used when doctors need to take a tissue sample or perform intubation to assist with breathing during general anesthesia. This type of laryngoscopy is often carried out in an operating room under general anesthesia by a specialist otolaryngologist.

Reasons You May Need a Laryngoscopy 

There are a number of reasons why your doctor may want to perform a laryngoscopy. One of the most common reasons for a laryngoscopy is a persistent sore throat. A laryngoscopy will allow your doctor to take a closer look at the affected area to see if they can spot the underlying issue. Other reasons for a laryngoscopy include:

• A cough that won’t go away
• Hoarseness
• Bad breath
• A foreign object stuck in the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• A persistent earache
• Surgical procedures such as the removal of a growth, or tissue biopsy
• Voice problems
• Ongoing throat pain
• Laryngitis

  

How to Prepare for a Laryngoscopy 

If your doctor has recommended a laryngoscopy, the first thing you’ll need to do is determine which type of procedure will be performed. If you’re undergoing an indirect laryngoscopy, you won’t need much preparation. Your doctor will use a mirror and light to perform a short examination of the larynx and surrounding area.

For a fiberoptic laryngoscopy, your healthcare provider may give you numbing medicine to make you more comfortable during the procedure. Numbing the area can make it easier for the doctor to pass the scope into your windpipe and reduce gagging.

A direct laryngoscopy requires more preparation. If you’re having general anesthesia, you may need to fast before the procedure and avoid certain medications. You may feel lightheaded afterward, especially if you’ve undergone general anesthesia, so be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.

If the laryngoscopy was performed to take biopsies of suspicious tumors or growths, expect a follow-up appointment in the coming days or weeks. This is essential for evaluating the tissue sample and determining the best course of action.

Tools for Laryngoscopy

Laryngoscopes are a critical instrument in these procedures. From fiberoptic laryngoscopes to laryngoscope blades, these tools have evolved significantly in recent years. Products such as the Heine Fiber Optic Laryngoscope Set offer superior visibility and durability, allowing healthcare providers to perform even the most complex procedures with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Just like an endoscopy, a laryngoscopy allows doctors to see deep inside your body without major surgery. This makes it possible for medical professionals to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues, from tumors to foreign body obstructions, quickly and efficiently. If you have been advised to undergo a laryngoscopy, trust in the knowledge that these procedures are routine and highly effective. For medical advice, or to learn more about laryngoscopes and other tools used in these procedures, you can explore our range of fiberoptic and flexible laryngoscopes at Medshop Australia.

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).