Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Your larynx (voice box) will have been assessed in the ENT clinic, usually with a flexible endoscope passed through one nostril.
It is advisable for you to have a microlaryngoscopy under general anaesthetic (fast asleep), so that we can have a closer look at your larynx and possibly take a biopsy (tissue sample) or perform a procedure on your larynx. (Sometimes a laser may be used).
Microlaryngoscopy involves the larynx being assessed using an operating microscope.
Alternatives to this surgery
This procedure is normally required to investigate the cause of a voice problem. This may involve the removal of a lesion from the larynx or a biopsy. Therefore, there is no real alternative.
Some patients may benefit from a trial of Speech and Language therapy prior to removal of a benign vocal cord lesion. You may already have had this.
Pre-operative assessment & care
You will attend the hospital about 1—2 weeks before the operation for a pre-operative assessment.
You will be admitted to hospital on the morning of the surgery. The operation requires a general anaesthetic (fast asleep) and takes about 20 minutes.
Afterwards you will return to the ward and will probably have a sore throat. You may have to stay one night in hospital but sometimes it can be done as a day case and you will be allowed home later the same day.
Risks
During the procedure, a rigid endoscope (telescope) is passed via the mouth into the throat. The anaesthetist and surgeon will ask you if you have any capped, crowned or loose teeth. There is a small possibility of chipping or knocking out a tooth during the procedure.
After the Operation – what to expect
Your throat will be sore for about 48 hours. In the immediate post-operative period, the ward staff will monitor your temperature and blood pressure. If your temperature increases and pain continues or worsens, a doctor may be called to examine you.
You may be referred for a course of speech therapy. A follow up clinic appointment will be arranged if required.
You may be advised to rest your voice. This means no speaking, whispering or shouting, usually for 48 hours.
Please make sure your family know the situation in advance. Communicate in the first few days by writing things down; carry a pen and paper with you.
After discharge home
You may notice blood stained saliva or mucous for the first few days. This is normal and will clear on its own.
Avoid:
- hot spicy foods
- smoky atmospheres and smoking
If you have had biopsies taken, you will be given a clinic appointment to attend to get the results.
You have had a general anaesthetic; it is therefore advisable to rest for a week after the surgery. Please ask if you need a medical certificate.
If any of these problems arise after you have If any of these problems arise after you have gone home please contact the wards:
Frimley Park Hospital: Short Stay Surgery ward Direct No: 0300 613[3216] or 0300 613[3950]
F1 (children’s ward) 0300 613 4252
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/020
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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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.