Videolaryngoscopy is an image exam in which the doctor visualizes the structures of the mouth, oropharynx and larynx, being indicated to investigate the causes of chronic cough, hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing, for example.
This examination is done in the office of the otorhinolaryngologist, it is quick and simple and can cause a little discomfort during the procedure. But despite this, the person leaves the doctor's office with the result in hand and does not need to take specific care after the exam, being able to return to their normal routine.
How videolaryngoscopy is performed
Videolaryngoscopy is a quick and simple exam, done in the doctor's office and does not cause pain due to the application of local anesthesia in the form of a spray, however, you may feel mild discomfort during the exam.
This examination is done with a device that has a microcamera attached to its end connected to a light source that is placed in the patient's mouth, in order to visualize the structures present there. During the exam the person should breathe normally and speak only when requested by the doctor. The equipment's camera captures, records and amplifies the images and sound, which are used by the doctor to make the diagnosis and monitor the person during treatment, for example.
This test can be done either by placing the device in the mouth or nose, but it depends on the doctor, indication of the test and the patient. In the case of children, for example, it is made with flexible equipment so that the child does not feel discomfort.
When is indicated
Videolaryngoscopy is an examination that aims to visualize and identify changes present in the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx that are indicative of disease or that cannot be identified in a normal examination without a device. Thus, videolaryngoscopy can be indicated to investigate:
- Presence of nodules in the vocal cords; Chronic cough; Hoarseness; Difficulty swallowing; Changes caused by reflux; Changes that could be indicative of cancer or infections; Cause of breathing difficulties in children.
In addition, the otorhinolaryngologist can recommend the performance of this exam for chronic smokers and people who work with the voice, that is, singers, speakers and teachers, for example, who can present changes in the vocal cords more frequently.
