DIRECT LARYNGOSCOPY / BRONCHOSCOPY / ESOPHAGOSCOPY

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

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Bronchoscopy

  • Bronchial masses

  • Bronchial foreign bodies

  • Aspiration and perforating neck trauma

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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