Surgery Encyclopedia | Bon Secours St. Francis Health System

Laryngoscopy - Series

Normal Anatomy

The larynx starts in the oropharynx, or back of the throat, and extends down to the trachea. It carries air from the mouth and nose to the trachea, and then to the lungs.

Normal anatomy

Indications

Growths, such as tumors, scar tissue, and polyps, can occur in the larynx. These growths often occur near the area of the vocal cords, which are located at approximately the midpoint of the larynx.

Indications

Procedure, Part 1

Laryngoscopy is a technique in which a rigid laryngoscope is directed through the mouth and down the larynx. The larynx can be viewed through the laryngoscope, and instruments can be passed down the larynx through the laryngoscope.

Procedure, part 1

Procedure, Part 2

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), lasers are used to burn away tumors or polyps, which are passed down the laryngoscope. Patients can often go home the same or following day after laryngoscopy.

Procedure, part 2

Review Date: Jul 25, 2007
Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.