Direct rigid laryngoscopy

Direct rigid laryngoscopy (say "lair-en-GOS-kuh-pee") is a type of procedure. A doctor uses a tube called a scope to look deep into your throat and voice box (larynx).

The doctor may do this procedure for many reasons. He or she may want to take a tissue sample. This is called a biopsy. Or he or she may remove growths from your vocal cords. Sometimes the doctor removes an object stuck in the throat. Other times, the procedure lets the doctor perform other surgery or laser treatment.

You will be asleep during the procedure. The doctor puts the scope in your mouth. Then he or she guides it to the back of your throat.

You will probably go home the same day. But if you have surgery on your vocal cords, you may need to spend the night in the hospital. Most people can go back to work or their usual activities within a week.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. Rigid laryngoscopy is done with a general anesthetic.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for at least 1 week or until your doctor says it is okay.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• If your job requires you to use your voice, you may need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work.

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
• If your throat is swollen or sore, drink clear fluids such as water, apple juice, and flavored ice pops. Avoid hot drinks, soda pop, and citrus juices, such as orange juice. These may cause more swelling and pain.
• Start out with cool, clear liquids; flavored ice pops; and ice cream. Next, try soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Do not eat hard or scratchy foods such as chips or raw vegetables until your throat has healed.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

Throat care

• Suck on throat lozenges or gargle with warm salt water to help your sore throat.
• For several weeks, or until your doctor says it is okay, try to avoid coughing or clearing your throat. If you feel like you need to clear your throat, try taking a few sips of water.