Laryngoscopy/microlaryngoscopy

Laryngoscopy / microlaryngoscopy is the examination of the larynx (voice box). The examination is to detect any abnormalities. The removal or biopsy of any abnormal tissue may also be performed if abnormal tissue is present.

There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.

General risks

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room.
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is rare but possible.

Specific risks

• Injury to the lips, teeth, gums or tongue. Dental injury may result in teeth being chipped, broken or dislodged. Crowns may also be dislodged.
• Voice change. The larynx (voice box) or the nerves controlling the larynx may be injured by the instruments used for the microlaryngoscopy. Voice change may also result from excision or biopsy of the abnormal tissue in the larynx. The voice change may be persistent and not respond to further treatment.
• Bleeding into the airway. This may on rare occasion lead to difficulty breathing requiring the insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth, until the bleeding is controlled. Even more rarely, a tracheostomy(insertion of a breathing tube through the neck) may be required.
• If high pressure air ventilation is required (rare) a lung may collapse (Pneumothorax). A small hole in the surface of the lung. Air then leaks from the lung, causing the lung to collapse. The lung may come back up itself, or a tube may need to be put into the chest through the skin to remove the air from around the lung. This may need a longer hospital stay.
• Persistence or recurrence of the original disease may occur.
• Undiagnosed neck/spinal problems