Voice Surgery Instructions

There are a number of problems that can occur with voice production that require surgical intervention.

Polyps and cysts of the vocal cords can result in a severe, hoarse voice that does not respond to speech therapy.

To address these problems, laryngoscopy is performed. During this procedure a laryngoscope, which is a small metal tube that is placed within your mouth, is used to provide exposure to the vocal cords themselves. A microscope is then used to visualize the vocal cords under magnification.

Depending on your problem, a variety of different micro-instuments are used to restore the normal cord anatomy. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your problem.

Post-operative Instructions

Most patients will notice a sore throat after vocal cord surgery. Pain medicines and antibiotics may be prescribed for a few days to help with healing and your comfort.

In most cases you will be asked to use a confidential voice for approximately one week after your surgery. A confidential voice is the volume and quality of voice that you would use in talking to a close friend in a crowded area about a personal topic.

Alternatively, you may be asked to be on complete voice rest. This means no talking. These patients will need to communicate with their friends and family by writing. Whispering is not permitted after any vocal cord surgery. Whispering generally results in maladaptive habits that can be difficult to break during the healing process.

After your vocal cord surgery, you will have scheduled follow up with the doctor, as well as the speech pathologist.

You will begin speaking initially with the speech pathologist, so that you can be coached and taught how to use your voice in the safest way during the healing process. Examination of the healing vocal fold will also be accomplished during these evaluations.

Depending on your type of voice surgery, you can note voice improvement within several weeks to three months after the surgery is accomplished.

Your participation in speech therapy during the healing period is necessary to optimize the quality of your voice. Voice surgery is somewhat like joint surgery, where a period of rehabilitation is necessary to optimize function.