Home ::

 
 

 
   
  One of the common examinations performed by the head and neck surgeon is "laryngoscopy." This is a visualization of the voicebox that may be performed in several ways. For the simplest method (known as "indirect" layngoscopy) the doctor will numb the throat with local anesthetic to dull the patient's gag reflex. The tongue is gently drawn from the mouth and a long-handled, warmed mirror is placed into the back of the mouth and used to raise the soft palate, (see directly above). This allows the doctor a view of the larynx as illustrated on the left.

"Direct" laryngoscopy involves the use of a thin, flexible fiberoptic hose. This can be passed through the nose or the mouth into the hypopharynx and larynx, allowing for a much more complete exam. This is occasionally done with local anesthesia, but more often, will involve the use of sedation or general anesthesia.

See Depictions of Laryngoscopic Views