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