Microlaryngeal Surgery (Phonomicrosurgery)

What are the benefits of microlaryngeal surgery?

Microlaryngeal surgery is the most effective and minimally invasive treatment for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of vocal fold lesions such as cancer, cysts, papilloma, polyps, and Reinke’s edema. It also provides effective management for acute or chronic trauma to the vocal cords. 

Most patients also need surgery intervention if they have dysphonia (poor voice quality), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), or stridor (abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound) due to airway obstruction.

What to expect after a microlaryngoscopy?

The surgery takes only an hour and the patient is able to go home within 24 hours of the surgery. Most patients do not suffer any major complications after the surgery. They may have slight pain and discomfort, but that is usually managed through over-the-counter medications. You can resume work within a couple of days, especially if your job doesn’t require speaking too much. 

What are the complications associated with microlaryngeal surgery?

The surgery is performed very carefully and with minimal cuts to ensure no damage occurs to the oral or vocal tissues. However in some cases, it can result in complications like:

• Temporary numbness or tingling sensation in the tongue
• Damage to the teeth
• Vocal fold scar
• Breathing problems
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
• Infection

Out of these, the most problematic complication is vocal fold scar as it can affect the voice quality and necessitate further treatment for the patient. You should consult the doctor if you notice any signs of complications such as difficulty breathing, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing (worse than before the surgery), fever, etc.

Which recovery tips should a patient follow after microlaryngeal surgery?

Following the surgery, the patient should follow the given recovery and precautionary tips to improve recovery and prevent complications:

• Eat only soft foods during the first 24 hours after the surgery. You should also avoid fried, spicy, or hard foods that may scratch your throat or disturb the incision. If it is too difficult to swallow soft foods, you can stick to a liquid diet.
• Hydration is very important after the surgery, especially since it is performed under general anesthesia. Drink at least 8 large glasses of water everyday.
• You should rest your throat for at least 2 weeks following the surgery. Don’t talk on your phone or whisper at all during this time to avoid straining your vocal cords. If you have to speak, drink sips of water in between to keep vocal tissues moist.
• Don’t smoke for at least 3 weeks after the surgery or go to areas where you may be exposed to smoke as exposure to smoke can irritate the vocal cords and delay recovery.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages for the first 3 weeks as they can irritate the throat, delay healing and lead to thick mucus formation around the surgery site.
• Make sure you come to your doctor for regular follow up check ups till you have recovered. 

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