Laryngoscopy - Larynxoscopy

Laryngoscopy

A laryngoscopy is used to precisely examine the larynx with the help of special instruments. Larynx, laryngeal mucosa, changes, deposits and the mobility of the vocal folds and much more can be assessed in detail. Sampling, removal of a foreign body and microsurgical interventions are also possible.

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• When is a laryngoscopy necessary?
• How does a laryngoscopy work?
• What preparations are necessary?
• What are the side effects / complications?
• Where is a laryngoscopy done?
• How are the costs going to be covered?

When is a laryngoscopy necessary?

Laryngoscopy is used to clarify certain symptoms, e.g. persistent hoarseness or persistent cough, etc. It is important, for example, in the diagnosis of swallowing disorders and voice disorders, injuries and inflammation of the larynx and larynx tumors.

How does a laryngoscopy work?

Two forms are distinguished in this investigation:

• Indirect laryngoscopy: It takes place either without or with local anesthesia (sprays for brief, superficial anesthesia of the mucous membrane). The patient sits across from the doctor. Using lighting, a forehead reflector and a small mirror (larynx mirror), the doctor can look at the larynx from the uvula or the back of the pharynx. To do this, the patient sticks out their tongue. This is carefully pulled forward. The pathological changes can be diagnosed more precisely with a magnifying laryngoscope.
• Direct laryngoscopy: A direct laryngoscopy under surface anesthesia (spray) is performed with a flexible endoscope. In this case, the endoscope is usually pushed forward over the nose and is only used for diagnostics. With direct laryngoscopy under anesthesia, the laryngoscope is advanced towards the larynx. The patient lies on their back with their head tilted backwards. Using a microscope (microlaryngoscopy) and endoscope, microsurgical interventions can be carried out in addition to diagnostics. With surface anesthesia, laryngoscopy is performed while sitting.

What preparations are necessary?

Before a planned examination under anesthesia, the state of health is clarified and the procedure discussed. If you have any questions about laryngoscopy, you can contact the performing doctor. Before and after anesthesia, certain rules of conduct must be observed. The doctor will discuss this with you in advance. He / she informs, for example, how long in advance you have to go without food and drink.

Discuss your medication intake with your doctor. The medication, e.g. blood thinners (such as Marcoumar or Sintrom), may have to be discontinued a few days before a biopsy to avoid major bleeding.

Removable dentures (prostheses) must be removed prior to laryngoscopy. You should also inform the doctor about any loose teeth or dentures. Loose teeth (especially incisors) should be repaired or splinted by a dentist in good time before the planned operation. During the examination under general anesthesia, the teeth are protected with a dental splint.

You can get or find more information

• with the performing doctor.
• under anesthesia: preparation.

What are the side effects / complications?

Patients may find the indirect reflection uncomfortable because the mouth has to be kept open longer and the tongue has to be stuck out. Any gag reflex must also be suppressed when examining with a larynx mirror or magnifying laryngoscope. The thought of an endoscope in your nose or mouth can be strange at times.

The following complications or symptoms can occur during an examination under anesthesia, for example:

• Dentition damage with loose teeth,
• Hoarseness, feeling of dryness,
• Bleeding after sampling (biopsy) or other interventions,
• rarely injury from the endoscope as well
• rarely infections.

Where is a laryngoscopy done?

An indirect laryngoscopy may be performed:

• from a resident ENT doctor. You can search for a doctor in your area under Find a doctor.
• in a hospital.

A direct laryngoscopy is usually carried out in the relevant department of a hospital.

You can find ENT or surgical departments in your area under Hospital search.

How are the costs going to be covered?

For a planned direct laryngoscopy in a hospital, you need the referral of a specialist in ear, nose and throat medicine (ENT). This is valid for one month from the date of issue. Information on the contribution to costs for patients during an inpatient stay can be found under What does the hospital stay cost?

The costs of an indirect laryngoscopy by a resident doctor are covered by the responsible health insurance provider. Your doctor will generally settle accounts directly with your health insurance provider. With certain health insurance providers, however, you may have to pay a deductible (BVAEB, SVS, SVS, BVAEB).

If you use an elective doctor (ie doctor without a health insurance contract), the costs will not be charged directly. In this case, you pay the resulting amount directly to the doctor and submit the invoice to your health insurance provider. You will be reimbursed a maximum of 80 percent of the tariff that a contract doctor or a contract outpatient clinic charges the health insurance provider. For more information, see Visit a Doctor: Costs and Deductibles.

For information on the respective provisions, please contact your health insurance provider, which you can find on the social security website.