Laryngeal Endoscopy

As part of your assessment for persistent throat symptoms including disorders of the voice, an endoscopic evaluation of the larynx (voice box and throat) will be carried out, this information will help you prepare for the examination and give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

What is Laryngeal Endoscopy?

Laryngeal endoscopy is a detailed assessment of the voice box and throat using a camera called an endoscope. The camera is a thin, flexible tube and will be passed through the nose so that a clear view of the throat and voice box can be seen. You will be asked to do different exercises so we can fully examine the structures in your throat and how the muscles are working.

Why do I need laryngeal endoscopy?

A laryngeal endoscopy will benefit anyone with symptoms including:

Hoarse voice
Throat clearing: Often in response to an irritation in the throat that will not clear
Lump or mucus sensation in the throat
Throat irritation or sensitivity

Laryngeal endoscopy can help the therapist identify:

Swellings in the throat
Redness and irritation in the throat
Tight muscles
Muscle weakness

What happens during the laryngeal endoscopy?

A laryngeal endoscopy will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Two people will be present; one or two speech and language therapists and/or a speech and language therapy assistant.

You will be appropriately positioned in a seated position close to the endoscopy machine. If you are a wheelchair user, we can position you next to the equipment in your own chair.

The assessment involves one member of the team passing the small flexible camera through the nose so it sits in the throat. Once the therapists are able to see inside the throat, you will be asked to do some vocal tasks, such as counting, prolonged ‘ee’ sounds and pitch glides.

The images from the assessment will be recorded so that the speech and language therapist can interpret the findings. The images can also be played back to you, if appropriate. From the assessment, the speech and language therapist will be able to help manage your symptoms and devise a treatment plan.

You can attend with one family member or carer, they can be in the room during the assessment. The findings of the assessment can be discussed with you and them afterwards.

What are the risks?

The procedure is extremely safe and has a low risk of complications or side effects. You may experience some discomfort when the camera is being passed through the nose, but this usually stops as the camera is fully positioned in the throat. If you have a history of nose bleeds or fainting please let your therapist know prior to the assessment.

We avoid using anaesthetic for some symptoms, as anaesthetic can affect the results, however if the procedure is too uncomfortable, a nasal spray is available to numb the nose and throat.

Do I need any special preparation before the examination?

There is no preparation necessary for this test.

What happens after the laryngeal endoscopy?

The results will be discussed with you in brief immediately after the assessment. A report will be sent to you, your GP and any other relevant services. The speech and language therapist will get in touch with you to discuss the results and further treatment in more detail if this is needed.

This video will help you to better understand what will happen at your appointment.