Microlaryngoscopy and Removal of Lesions

When there are lesions on the vocal cord that need to be removed, such as polyps or cysts, this is performed during a surgery called “microlaryngoscopy”, which literally means to view the vocal cords using a microscope.  With the patient completely asleep in the operating a “laryngoscope” or hollow metal tube is placed into the mouth to open the throat and allow the surgeon to directly view the vocal cords.  Small instruments less than an 1/8th of an inch in sized are used to carefully removed diseased tissue while preserving the normal vocal cord.  This is a very delicate surgery because the vocal cords are less than two inches in length.  It is critical during this surgery to leave the uninvolved layers of the vocal cord alone to prevent scar.

After surgery patients are asked to minimize voice use to allow the vocal cords to heal.  Patients go home the same day and are allowed to resume normal activities after surgery.