Medical term:
laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy
Definition
Laryngoscopy refers to a procedure used to view the inside of the larynx (the voice box).
Description
The purpose and advantage of seeing inside the larynx is to detect tumors, foreign bodies, nerve or structural injury, or other abnormalities. Two methods allow the larynx to be seen directly during the examination. In one, a flexible tube with a fiber-optic device is threaded through the nasal passage and down into the throat. The other method uses a rigid viewing tube passed directly from the mouth, through the throat, into the larynx. A light and lens affixed to the endoscope are used in both methods. The endoscopic tube may also be equipped to suction debris or remove material for biopsy. Bronchoscopy is a similar, but more extensive procedure in which the tube is continued through the larynx, down into the trachea and bronchi.
Preparation
Laryngoscopy is done in the hospital with a local anesthetic spray to minimize discomfort and suppress the gag reflex. Patients are requested not to eat for several hours before the examination.
Aftercare
If the throat is sore, soothing liquids or lozenges will probably relieve any temporary discomfort.
Risks
This procedure carries no serious risks, although the patient may experience soreness of the throat or cough up small amounts of blood until the irritation subsides.
Normal results
A normal result would be the absence of signs of disease or damage.
Abnormal results
An abnormal finding, such as a tumor or an object lodged in the tissue, would either be removed or described for further medical attention.
Key terms
Endoscopic tube — a tube that is inserted into a hollow organ permitting a physician to see the inside it.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
laryngoscopy
[lar″ing-gos´kah-pe]visual examination of the larynx with a laryngoscope. With direct visualization, the patient is given a mild sedative to promote relaxation, because the procedure, though not uncomfortable, may be frightening and exhausting. Immediately before insertion of the laryngoscope, the throat is anesthetized locally with cocaine spray. Following the procedure, fluids and foods are withheld until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off and the gag reflex has returned. Visualization may also be indirect, which means examination is done by observation of the reflection of the larynx in a laryngeal mirror. adj., adj laryngoscop´ic.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
lar·yn·gos·co·py
(lar'ing-gos'kŏ-pē),Inspection of the larynx by means of the laryngoscope.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
laryngoscopy
(lăr′ĭn-gŏs′kə-pē)n.
Examination of the larynx by means of a laryngoscope.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
laryngoscopy
ENT Examination of the larynx, either with a mirror–indirect laryngoscopy or with a laryngoscope–direct laryngoscopy; a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure in which a laryngoscope is passed through the larynx to detect lesions, strictures or foreign bodies. See Larynx.McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
lar·yn·gos·co·py
(lar'in-gos'kŏ-pē)Inspection of the larynx by means of the laryngoscope.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
laryngoscopy
Examination of the LARYNX either directly by extending the recumbent subject's neck and using a rigid metal instrument, called a laryngoscope, to depress the tongue, or indirectly by way of an angled mirror held behind the back of the tongue. Direct laryngoscopy allows BIOPSY of the vocal cords and removal of polyps, nodules or foreign bodies.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
lar·yn·gos·co·py
(lar'in-gos'kŏ-pē)Inspection of the larynx by means of the laryngoscope.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012
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