Direct Laryngoscopy Surgery Postoperative Instructions

You had a procedure to look at your larynx (voice box). Your doctor used a rigid scope to look down your throat at your voice box, windpipe and esophagus (connection to your stomach).  Here is some information to help you heal after the procedure.

Activities and precautions:

• Do not use your voice too much. Talk in a normal voice when you must speak.
• Do not whisper, yell or sing for at least 3 days.
• Having a sore throat is the most common type of pain after this procedure. Eating soft foods can be helpful.
• Drink plenty of fluids. You can drink clear liquids (water, soda pop, juice).  Do not have hot drinks to help you have less swelling and bleeding.
• Elevate your head on 2 or 3 pillows the first 2 nights after surgery. Lying flat makes you have more bleeding and swelling.
• Use a bedside humidifier, if possible, for the first 2 nights. This helps keep your mucous membranes moist.
• Do not smoke.
• You can do your normal activities if you feel OK.
• You can shower or take a bath the day after your procedure.

Call our office if any of these happen:

• You cough up blood.
• You find it hard to breathe or have noisy breathing.
• Severe pain, nausea or vomiting.
• You have problems swallowing.
• You have a temperature of 101 F (or higher) or severe chills.

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June 2023

Direct Laryngoscopy Post Op Ins_ENT