Videolaryngoscopy is an exam performed by an otorhinolaryngologist to evaluate the structures of the mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and vocal cords, and is recommended to investigate the causes of chronic cough, hoarseness, pain or difficulty swallowing, for example.
This examination is carried out by introducing a thin fiber optic or digital tube, called a laryngoscope, through the mouth, allowing the structures of the mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and vocal cords to be observed and evaluated in detail, and health conditions such as polyps to be diagnosed. or nodules on the vocal cords, chronic laryngitis or leukoplakia, for example. Understand what leukoplakia is and how it is treated.
Video laryngoscopy can be performed free of charge by the SUS, as long as it is medically indicated, but it can also be performed in private clinics, and the results must be analyzed by an otorhinolaryngologist.
When to take the exam
Videolaryngoscopy is an exam that aims to visualize and identify changes present in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx that are indicative of disease or that cannot be identified in a normal exam without equipment. Therefore, videolaryngoscopy may be indicated to investigate:
- Nodules on the vocal cords;
- Vocal cord polyps;
- Intracordal cysts;
- Vocal grooves;
- Chronic cough;
- Coughing up blood;
- Hoarseness;
- Dysphonia;
- Aphonia;
- Difficulty or pain swallowing;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Chronic laryngitis;
- Laryngeal papillomatosis, or HPV in the larynx;
- Leucoplasias;
- Vocal cord paralysis;
- Edema de Reinke;
- Difficulty breathing in children;
- Changes caused by gastroesophageal reflux;
- Changes that may be indicative of cancer or infections.
Furthermore, the otorhinolaryngologist may recommend carrying out this exam for chronic smokers, people with a family history of head and neck cancer, or for people who work with their voice, such as singers, speakers and teachers, for example, who may present changes in their vocal cords more often.
Video laryngoscopy can also be indicated to remove foreign bodies or cauterize lesions in blood vessels, for example.
Videolaryngoscopy is laryngoscopy
Videolaryngoscopy and laryngoscopy are procedures that allow visualization of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and vocal cords.
However, videolaryngoscopy, also known as indirect laryngoscopy, is performed in the doctor’s office, using local anesthetic, with the person sitting, awake, and the doctor may ask the person to make sounds during the procedure to check the mobility of the larynx.
Laryngoscopy, also called direct laryngoscopy, is generally performed in hospitals, with the person lying down, and performed with sedation, allowing direct visualization of the larynx.
How to prepare for the exam
As videolaryngoscopy is performed in the doctor’s office, often as a routine exam, no special care is required to perform it, nor are there any restrictions on activities.
However, it is important to inform the doctor if the person has any allergies to anesthetics or other medications.
How videolaryngoscopy is performed
Videolaryngoscopy is a quick and simple examination, carried out in the doctor’s office, with the person sitting comfortably, and does not cause pain due to the application of local anesthesia, however, slight discomfort may be felt during the examination.
To perform videolaryngoscopy, the otorhinolaryngologist must follow some steps, such as:
- Apply local anesthetic in the form of spray;
- Ask the person to open their mouthto allow insertion of the laryngoscope;
- Insert the laryngoscope into the mouthwhich is a device that has a microcamera attached to its end connected to a light source, to visualize the structures present there through a computer screen;
- Capture, record and amplify the images and sounds obtained, which are used by the doctor to make the diagnosis and monitor the person during treatment, for example.
During the examination, the person must breathe normally and speak or make sounds only when requested by the doctor.
This exam can be done either by placing the device in the mouth or nose, but this depends on the doctor, the indication for the exam and the patient. In the case of children, for example, it is done with flexible equipment so that the child does not feel discomfort.
Care after the exam
Videolaryngoscopy may cause minor discomfort during the procedure. Despite this, the person leaves the doctor’s office with the result in hand and does not need to take specific care after carrying out the exam, being able to return to their normal routine.
Bibliography
- CHEMSIAN, RV; et al. Videolaryngoscopy. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 4. 1; 35–41, 2014
- HANSEL, J.; et al. Videolaryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy for adults undergoing tracheal intubation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 4. 4; CD011136, 2022
- GUIMARÃES, VF. Stabilization of videolaryngoscopy images. Master’s Dissertation of the Interunit Postgraduate Program in Bioengineering, 2008. University of São Paulo, São Carlos.
- PIGNATARI, Shirley SN; ANSELM-LIMA, Wilma T. ABORL and CCF Otorhinolaryngology Textbook. 3rd ed. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier, 2018.
