Laser Surgery for Voice Disorder

Voice is produced by the vibrations of the true vocal cords in the voice box. When the vocal cord becomes inflamed, swollen, irregular, or does not move well due to mass effect or muscle weakness (vocal cord palsy), distortions and hoarseness of voice ensue. The assessment of hoarseness will require fiberoptic laryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and a visit to a speech therapist. Some conditions, however, require surgical treatment. Current-day technology allows us to perform the same on an outpatient basis in optimally selected patients using fiber optic endoscopy and laser. Those who cannot undergo outpatient treatment will need formal vocal cord surgery (PHONOSURGERY) under anesthesia with either day care or one-day admission.