Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Microlaryngoscopy means a surgical examination of the larynx (voice box) under general anaesthetic. The aim of microlaryngoscopy is to find out in more detail what is wrong with your larynx and vocal cords.
It is likely that you will be asleep for about 45 minutes during the procedure. The anaesthetist will talk to you about the anaesthetic on the day of the operation. The operation itself will probably be done as a day case, so you should be able to go home on the same day.
Risks of vocal fold surgery
Your consultant will discuss the specific risks with you prior to your operation. In general you should be aware of the following:
- There is a small risk of damage to your teeth, because of the instruments used to help you to breathe during the operation
- There is a risk your voice may be no better or possibly worse after surgery
- You will possibly wake up with a sore throat, but this should only last for a day or two. You will be advised on suitable painkillers whilst in hospital.
Before coming into hospital for your surgery
- Avoid things which are known to irritate the vocal folds, e.g., smoke, alcohol and caffeine
- If you have been prescribed reflux medication, make sure you take it as prescribed
- Avoid vocally abusive habits, e.g. throat clearing, shouting
- Warn your friends and family that you will not be able to speak for at least 48 hours (this includes mouthing, miming and whispering)
- You may find it useful to have a ‘trial run’ of total voice rest before your surgery to help you prepare for any challenges you may not have anticipated
- Arrange to have time off work - you may need up to two weeks, depending on the job you do
- Have a pad and pen available to write things down. Bring it with you to the hospital.
- Aim to drink around two litres of water per day.
Immediately after your microlaryngoscopy and for the first two days
- Do not talk or whisper, laugh out loud, sing, cough or clear your throat. Use a notepad and a pen to communicate during this time
- Do not answer the telephone; ask people to text or email instead
- Do not smoke. Avoid smoky atmospheres
- You may eat and drink normally after the operation
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which dry out your vocal cords
- Take steam inhalations regularly, preferable 4-5 times a day for 10 minutes at a time
- Avoid heavy lifting, pushing and pulling including gym and aerobic activity.
For the next week or two
Unless advised otherwise, you can start using your voice again. Gradually increase the amount of talking you do. This will actually help your vocal cords to begin working properly again and encourage further healing.
It is important that you:
- Speak no louder than a soft conversational volume
- Start with small amounts of talking and gradually increase the amount you use your voice each day
- Avoid shouting, clearing your throat, coughing unnecessarily, laughing loudly, raising your voice or singing
- Try to avoid using the phone and, if you do use it, keep the conversation short
- Try to have short periods of voice rest between speaking
- Keep drinking fluids
- Keep steaming twice a day
- Take time each day to relax.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Speech and language therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Speech and language therapy
Reference:
VV/046
Approval date:
27 September 2024
Review date:
1 September 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.