Version July 2025
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What is laryngoscopy? —
This is a procedure to look at the "larynx." The larynx is the top part of the trachea (windpipe) (figure 1). The vocal cords are in the larynx. They open like curtains to let air into the lungs. This lets a person speak.
Laryngoscopy is done with a special tool called a "laryngoscope". This is a thin tube that is used to look at the vocal cords. It might be flexible or rigid (stiff). The doctor might use a camera, microscope, or mirror to see the area more clearly.
Most of the time, laryngoscopy is done in a doctor's office. The laryngoscope can go through the nose or mouth. But "direct" laryngoscopy is done in the operating room. In this case, the doctor places the laryngoscope through the mouth.
Why might I need a laryngoscopy? —
Your doctor might do a laryngoscopy in their office to:
●Look for the cause of problems like voice changes, coughing, throat pain, bleeding, hoarseness, or bad breath
●Check for cancers or growths on the vocal cords
Doctors might do a direct laryngoscopy in the operating room to:
●Remove a growth on the vocal cord
●Do a biopsy – The doctor takes a small sample of tissue. Then, the sample is looked at under a microscope.
●Give an injection (shot) into the vocal cords
How do I prepare for a laryngoscopy? —
Before your procedure, your doctor will do an exam. They will also ask you about your "health history." This involves asking you questions about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:
●Any medicines you are taking – This includes any prescription or "over-the-counter" medicines you use, plus any herbal supplements you take. It helps to write down and bring a list of any medicines you take, or bring a bag with all of your medicines with you.
●Any allergies you have
●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.
For a laryngoscopy in the doctor's office, you do not need to do anything to prepare.
If you are having a direct laryngoscopy in the operating room, you will get information about:
●Eating and drinking before your procedure – You might need to "fast" before your procedure. This means not eating or drinking anything for a period of time. Or you might be allowed to have liquids until a short time before the procedure. Whether you need to fast, and for how long, depends on the procedure you are having.
●What help you will need when you go home – For example, you might need to have someone else bring you home or stay with you for some time while you recover.
Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.
What happens during laryngoscopy? —
This depends on where it is being done.
If you are getting a laryngoscopy in the doctor's office:
●The doctor might spray the back of your nose or throat with numbing medicine.
●There are different ways to do a laryngoscopy. In some cases, the doctor will ask you to swallow or speak during the procedure. You might have:
•Indirect or mirror laryngoscopy – The doctor shines a light on a small mirror that is held at the back of the throat. You stick your tongue out, or the doctor helps keep your tongue out of the way. This lets the doctor see your larynx and vocal cords.
•Flexible or rigid laryngoscopy – The doctor uses a flexible or rigid laryngoscope to see your larynx. The camera on the end sends pictures to a screen the doctor can see. They might use a microphone and strobe light to learn more about how your vocal cords are working.
●When finished, the doctor will remove the scope from the mouth or nose.
If you are getting a laryngoscopy in the operating room:
●You might get an "IV," which is a thin tube that goes into a vein. This can be used to give you fluids and medicines.
●You will get general anesthesia. This makes you unconscious so you can't feel, see, or hear anything during the procedure. The doctor might also spray the back of your throat with numbing medicine.
●The doctors and nurses will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate during the procedure.
●The doctor will use a rigid laryngoscope to see your larynx. They might use a camera or microscope to look more closely at your vocal cords. If needed, they can take a biopsy or remove small growths.
●When finished, they will remove the scope or other tools from your mouth.
What happens after laryngoscopy? —
If your procedure was done in the doctor's office, you usually don't have to do anything specific.
If your procedure was done in the operating room:
●Your throat might be numb as your anesthesia wears off. It is normal to feel more discomfort after the numbness goes away. This usually gets better quickly.
●You might have some throat pain. Sucking on ice chips might help.
●You can start eating or drinking when your throat is not numb and you can swallow normally.
●The doctor might want you to rest your voice for the next day or so. If so, do not shout, whisper, or sing.
What are the risks of laryngoscopy? —
Your doctor will talk to you about all of the possible risks, and answer your questions. Your risks are based on the type of laryngoscopy and where it was done. Possible risks include:
●Injury to the larynx or other parts of the throat
●Injury to teeth
●Nosebleed
●Infection
●Hoarse voice
●Aspiration (when stomach contents get into the lungs)
●Pain in the throat or mouth
What follow-up care do I need? —
Depending on what the doctor found during your laryngoscopy, you might need more testing or treatments. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what happens next. They will also tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
●You have a lot of bleeding from your nose or throat.
●Your nose or throat is very swollen.
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your throat, tongue, or mouth still feels numb after a few hours.
●You have trouble swallowing.
●You are more hoarse or have more trouble speaking.
Patient education: Laryngitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Dysphagia (The Basics)
Patient education: Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) (The Basics)
Patient education: Laryngeal cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Throat cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Swallowed objects (The Basics)
