Microlaryngeal surgery, also known as phonomicrosurgery, is a workhorse procedure that deals with a variety of laryngeal conditions, including benign vocal fold lesions, vocal fold paralysis, vocal fold scarring, vocal fold leukoplakia or cancer, and airway stenosis.
For the excision of a variety of vocal fold lesions, micro laryngeal surgery is performed using specialized laryngoscopes under general anesthesia and usually requires less than two hours of operative time.
Surgery is carried out using special instruments passed through the mouth to the voice box. The voice box is accessed using a specially shaped metal tube known as a laryngoscope. The laryngoscope is passed through the mouth without the need to make any cuts in the skin. An operating microscope or an endoscope is used to provide a magnified view of the area requiring surgery. Fine miniature instruments and sometimes a laser is used to operate on the voice box. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Very often it is possible to go home the same day as the operation, although an overnight stay may be recommended.
Microlaryngeal surgery is extremely safe. Like any surgery, there are some risks. There are slight risks of general anesthesia, especially in individuals with severe heart or lung problems.
Looking after your voice carefully is the key to a good outcome following micro-laryngeal surgery. A tailored program of voice rest followed by speech therapy guided voice use is often prescribed. In addition, actions that may add strain to or traumatize the vocal folds such as effortful whispering, throat clearing and coughing must be avoided. Back flow of stomach contents (gastro esophageal reflux) should be controlled through dietary measures and medication where necessary. Occasionally medications like antibiotics and steroids are prescribed to promote healing.