Laryngoscopy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about a laryngoscopy?

A laryngoscopy is a procedure used to see inside your throat and larynx (voice box). Your healthcare provider may check for an injury, growth, or other problems. He or she may remove growths or stuck objects, or take tissue samples. Material may be used to build up your vocal cords so they work better. A laryngoscopy may also be used to put in a breathing tube for surgery or after an injury.

How do I prepare for a laryngoscopy?

• Tell your provider about any medical conditions you have. Tell him or her if one of your nostrils is plugged or blocked. He or she may ask if you gag easily. Your neck must bend as the scope moves past your teeth and tongue. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems extending your neck. Tell your healthcare provider if you have dentures, loose teeth, or other dental work.
• Tell your provider about any allergies you have. You may be given local anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable. You may have general anesthesia to keep you asleep during the procedure. Tell your provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to local or general anesthesia.
• You may be given medicine that dries the mucus or fluids in your throat. These medicines help healthcare providers see the area better. A numbing medicine may be sprayed on the back of your throat.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. If you are having general anesthesia, your healthcare provider will tell you when you need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.

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What will happen during a laryngoscopy?

• A direct laryngoscopy means your healthcare provider looks directly into your larynx. Your tongue or tissues in your throat will be held out of the way. This procedure may be done to remove an object or growth, or to take a tissue sample.
• An indirect laryngoscopy means your provider uses a mirror to see around your tongue or other tissues. You may be asked to make certain sounds to help your provider watch your larynx and vocal cords move.
• A flexible laryngoscopy means your provider will use a tool called a flexible laryngoscope. This scope has a magnifier and light on the end. The scope is either put into your nostril or into your mouth and guided into your larynx. Pictures are taken of the area and shown on a monitor.

What should I expect after a laryngoscopy?

• Local anesthetic or numbing medicine sprayed into your throat should wear off within 30 minutes. You may have a sore throat after the medicine wears off. This is normal and should go away within 2 days.
• Your voice may sound hoarse. This should get better in a few weeks with rest.
• You can eat and drink as usual after the numbing medicine wears off and swallowing returns to normal. Your healthcare provider will give you directions to follow at home.

What are the risks of a laryngoscopy?

Your teeth, lips, or tongue may be damaged by the scope. Your throat may close and reopen suddenly (spasm) after the procedure. This can cause short-term problems with breathing or talking.

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