Laryngeal microsurgery is the surgical technique used for the majority of vocal cord surgeries. It can be used to treat various types of vocal cord lesions, including benign lesions (such as cyst, polyp, nodules) as well as precancerous and cancerous lesions. In the first case, the goal of surgery is often to improve the patient’s voice; in the second case, the goal is to obtain a biopsy or to completely remove the cancerous lesion.

Laryngeal microsurgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The patient lies on their back on the operating table. They remain asleep throughout the procedure and are not aware of what is happening. A tube is inserted into the throat to help them breathe during the surgery.

Once anesthesia has been administered, a rigid laryngoscope (a metal, tube-shaped instrument) is inserted through the mouth into the throat, allowing visualization of the larynx. Surgical instruments are then passed through this tube to operate on the vocal cords. The entire procedure is performed through the mouth; therefore, no incision is made in the neck.

The laryngoscope is removed at the end of the procedure.

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The duration of the surgery depends on what needs to be treated at the level of the vocal cords. It may therefore last 15 minutes or several hours.

The outcome of the surgery depends primarily on the type of lesion treated (cancerous or non-cancerous) and on the goals of the procedure. As expected outcomes may vary from one patient to another, these should be discussed with the surgeon prior to the intervention.

The most common risks associated with microlaryngeal surgery include the following:

• Jaw pain;
• Pain, swelling, and/or numbness of the tongue;
• Sore throat.

These symptoms are generally mild and last only a few days. in some individuals, however, they may last longer, up to two weeks or more

When surgical instruments are introduced through the mouth, cuts or injuries to the lips, mouth, or throat may occur. These usually heal well and quickly.

Rare but important risks to mention include tooth damage or loosening  during surgery, as well as  loss of taste.

Regarding the voice, the final outcome depends primarily on the type of intervention performed on the vocal cords. In some cases, there is very little risk of negative impact on the voice after surgery. In other cases, however, it is expected that the voice may worsen following the procedure, such as when surgery is done for more advance vocal cord cancers.

Most of the time, after microlaryngeal surgery, voice rest is recommended for a period that may range from 24 hours to weeks. The duration of voice rest will be specified by the surgeon prior to surgery.

For postoperative pain control,  acetaminophen (for example Tylenol®) is usually sufficient. Adequate hydration also supports recovery after surgery.

It is generally permitted to resume a normal diet after this type of procedure. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with your surgeon before leaving the hospital.