The larynx is the medical term for the upper windpipe where the voice box and vocal cords are situated. Micro laryngeal surgery, or micro laryngoscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to operate on the larynx, usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is the most precise means of visualizing the vocal cords. This procedure helps to perform a biopsy or remove abnormal growths, or cysts, such as granulomas or benign cysts, in the larynx. Patients who undergo micro laryngeal surgery are likely to recover faster than those who undergo traditional laryngeal surgery. They also have a superior outcome in terms of voice quality. All of the surgery is performed with the help of a laryngoscope and an operating microscope, to carefully remove the lesion. This instrument does not require an incision to be made on the skin.
Causes and diagnosis
Acute trauma or chronic irritation to the larynx may cause changes in the vocal cords, leading to polyps, nodules, and granulomas—all polyps, modules, and granulomas cause hoarseness of voice and the development of a breathy voice.
Diagnosis of polyps, nodules and granulomas in the larynx is based on direct or indirect visualization of the larynx with the help of a mirror or laryngoscope. Microlaryngoscopy is used to biopsy a particular lesion to exclude carcinoma.
What is micro laryngeal surgery used for?
Micro laryngeal surgery is used in the evaluation and removal of various lesions of the vocal cords, including (but not limited to) cysts, polyps, papilloma, cancer, and Reinke’s oedema.
When to undergo micro laryngeal surgery?
Micro laryngoscopy aims to obtain visual exposure of the throat region covering the larynx and pharynx for surgical examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Planning for micro laryngoscopy may involve preoperative assessment and anesthetic planning.
Dr SHALINA RAY’s services uses the latest technology and following the international standard of protocols enable proper diagnosis, which provides scope for surgical planning. The diagnostic indications of surgical need are:
- Laryngeal cancer
- Dysphonia
- Dysphagia
- Laryngeal trauma
- Stridor
What happens during a micro-laryngeal surgery?
Microlaryngeal surgery involves using the two most essential tools in laryngeal surgery: the operative microscope, and microlaryngeal dissection instruments, which include using a laryngoscope. It is a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached at the end, allowing a surgeon to visualize the area with great precision. It is performed on patients under general anesthesia, administered and monitored closely by an anesthesiologist working in close collaboration with a surgeon to avoid the danger of gagging or breathing problems.
The laryngoscope is inserted into the throat via the nose to locate the lesion. The abnormal growth is removed using tiny surgical tools threaded through the laryngoscope into the affected area. This procedure permits more excellent exercise on the accuracy of surgery, focusing only on the affected area. Thus, the surrounding area remains unharmed.
What happens after microlaryngeal surgery?
The patient may be monitored closely to address the needs arising after the surgery. Patients may experience some level of discomfort and may be administered some over-the-counter pain-relieving medications. If required, postoperative voice therapy may also be recommended.
