What is laryngoscopy?

Laryngoscopy is a procedure that a physician uses to examine a patient's vocal chords to see if they are functioning normally. It is usually performed by one of two methods. With direct laryngoscopy a thin flexible tube containing fiber optics is inserted into one of the patient's nostrils and is then pushed forward and angled downward towards the throat and vocal cords. The physician is then able to look through an eyepiece to directly examine the vocal cords while the patient speaks. With indirect laryngoscopy a small circular mirror on a long thin handle is inserted into the patient's mouth and turned so that the vocal cords are reflected on the surface. The physician is able to shine a bright light on the mirror to examine the reflection of the vocal cords while the patient speaks.

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