Symptoms

Micro Laryngeal Surgery (MLS) is typically performed to treat voice disorders or remove abnormal growths from the vocal cords. Common symptoms that may lead to this surgery include:

🗣️ Voice-Related Symptoms

• Hoarseness or roughness of voice lasting more than 2 weeks
• Loss of voice or weak voice
• Vocal fatigue – tiredness or pain after talking
• Pitch changes – sudden high or low changes in voice
• Breathiness – voice sounds airy or weak
• Voice breaks – interruption in smooth speech flow

😷 Throat-Related Symptoms

• Persistent throat pain or irritation
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Frequent throat clearing
• Chronic cough not related to infection
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Lump on vocal cords found via laryngoscopy

🔍 Common Conditions That Lead to MLS

• Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts
• Reinke’s edema (swelling of vocal cords)
• Leukoplakia or early vocal cord cancer
• Laryngeal papillomatosis
• Vocal cord hemorrhage
• Granulomas (due to GERD or intubation)

Risk Factors

Micro Laryngeal Surgery is usually recommended to treat vocal cord lesions or abnormalities. The following risk factors increase the chances of developing such issues:

🗣️ 1. Vocal Overuse / Misuse

• Professional voice users – singers, teachers, call center workers, speakers
• Shouting or screaming frequently
• Incorrect vocal techniques (e.g., poor breath support while speaking/singing)

🚬 2. Smoking and Alcohol

• Cigarette smoking – major cause of vocal cord inflammation, nodules, cancer
• Excessive alcohol intake – irritates the larynx and increases cancer risk

🌬️ 3. Acid Reflux (GERD)

• Chronic acid reflux can damage vocal cord lining, leading to granulomas or polyps

🦠 4. Infections

• Repeated upper respiratory infections can cause chronic laryngitis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) – linked with laryngeal papillomatosis

💊 5. Medical or Surgical History

• Previous intubation during surgery may cause vocal cord trauma
• Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke) affecting voice
• Allergies – causing postnasal drip and throat irritation

🧬 6. Other Contributing Factors

• Hormonal changes – especially in women (menstrual cycle, menopause)
• Stress or anxiety – can affect voice production
• Air pollution or exposure to irritants (e.g., chemicals, dust)

Preparation for Surgery

📅 1. Preoperative Evaluation

• ENT consultation with laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy to assess vocal cords
• Voice assessment by a speech-language pathologist if needed
• Medical history review – existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, GERD, etc.
• Blood tests & ECG to check fitness for anesthesia

🚫 2. Medication & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Stop smoking and alcohol at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Avoid blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E) 5–7 days before surgery (consult your doctor)
• Discuss ongoing medications like insulin, blood pressure pills, etc., with your surgeon

🍽️ 3. Fasting Guidelines

• No food or drink for 6–8 hours before surgery, usually after midnight
• Clear instructions will be given about fasting if the surgery is in the morning

🧘 4. Voice & Health Preparation

• Limit speaking/shouting a few days before surgery to rest your vocal cords
• Treat any infections (cold, flu, sore throat) before the procedure
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet in the days leading up to surgery

🧾 5. Administrative & Support Prep

• Consent forms and hospital admission paperwork
• Arrange for transportation – as it’s typically a day-care or 1-night procedure
• Bring someone along to assist post-surgery (you’ll be groggy from anesthesia)

Procedure

Micro Laryngeal Surgery (MLS) is a minimally invasive procedure done under general anesthesia to diagnose or treat voice and airway problems, especially issues affecting the vocal cords.

🔬 Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Anesthesia

• The patient is given general anesthesia, so you’re completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

2. Positioning

• The patient lies on their back with the neck slightly extended to give direct access to the larynx (voice box).

3. Laryngoscope Insertion

• A microscope-compatible laryngoscope is carefully inserted through the mouth to expose the vocal cords without external cuts.
• The surgeon gets a magnified view using an operating microscope.

4. Surgery on Vocal Cords

Depending on the condition being treated, the surgeon may:

• Remove growths – nodules, polyps, cysts, papillomas, granulomas, etc.
• Excise lesions – like leukoplakia or early-stage cancer
• Perform a biopsy – if cancer is suspected
• Use laser or cold instruments – depending on precision needed

5. Hemostasis & Final Check

• Bleeding is controlled (usually minimal).
• The area is inspected to confirm clean removal and safety.

6. Recovery from Anesthesia

• The patient is shifted to a recovery room and monitored.
• Most patients are discharged the same day or next morning.

Post-Procedure

Recovery after Micro Laryngeal Surgery (MLS) is usually smooth, but proper care is essential to protect your vocal cords and avoid complications.

📍 Immediately After Surgery

• Observation for a few hours in recovery (monitor breathing, vitals).
• Mild sore throat or hoarseness is common.
• Discharge same day or next morning if no complications.

🗣️ 1. Voice Rest

• Absolute voice rest for 3–7 days (no talking, whispering, or throat clearing).
• Gradual return to speaking under guidance.
• Avoid yelling, whispering, or long conversations for a few weeks.

💊 2. Medications

• Painkillers – mild discomfort relief.
• Antibiotics – to prevent infection (if prescribed).
• Anti-reflux medications – if GERD is a factor.
• Steroids – sometimes prescribed to reduce swelling.

🍲 3. Diet & Hydration

• Start with soft, non-spicy foods.
• Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and caffeine for a few days.
• Stay well-hydrated – helps keep vocal cords moist.

🚫 4. Activities to Avoid

• No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days.
• Avoid dusty, smoky environments and pollution.
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol.

🧑‍⚕️ 5. Follow-Up Care

• Visit your ENT surgeon in 7–10 days for vocal cord inspection.
• May require speech therapy or voice training for full recovery.
• Further follow-ups may include stroboscopy to monitor healing.

Success Rates

Micro Laryngeal Surgery is considered highly successful, especially when performed by experienced ENT surgeons in specialized centers.

📊 Overall Success Rate

• 85% to 95% success rate
  (depending on the condition being treated, patient’s voice use, and post-op care)

🗣️ Success by Condition Treated

📌 Key Factors for High Success

• Surgeon experience (microsurgical precision is critical)
• Accurate diagnosis and lesion type
• Strict post-op voice rest
• Smoking/alcohol cessation
• Speech therapy adherence (especially for professionals like singers/teachers)

⚠️ Possible Limitations

• Minor voice changes or scarring in rare cases
• Recurrence of lesions (especially in papillomas or smokers)
• Surgery may need repeat sessions in chronic or viral cases

FAQs

1. What is Micro Laryngeal Surgery?

It’s a minimally invasive surgery performed on the vocal cords using a microscope and special instruments, often to remove nodules, polyps, cysts, or early cancers.

2. Is the surgery painful?

No. It is done under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Mild throat discomfort may occur after surgery.

3. How long does the surgery take?

Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

4. Is it a day-care procedure?

Yes, in most cases, patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay.

5. How long is the recovery period?

• Basic recovery: 1–2 weeks
• Full voice recovery: 3–6 weeks, depending on vocal use and healing

6. Will I be able to speak normally after surgery?

Yes, most patients regain normal or improved voice. Voice therapy may be needed in some cases.

7. Is voice rest necessary after the surgery?

Yes. Strict voice rest for 3–7 days is crucial, followed by gradual use under guidance.

8. Are there any risks or complications?

• Low risk of bleeding or infection
• Very rare chance of vocal cord scarring or voice change

9. Can the problem recur?

Some conditions (like papillomas or polyps in smokers) can recur, but many cases are permanently resolved with one surgery.

10. What is the cost of micro laryngeal surgery in India?

Typically between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000, depending on the hospital, surgeon, and whether laser tools are used.

11. Can international patients get this surgery in India?

Yes. India offers world-class ENT care at affordable prices, and medical tourism support is available (including visa, translators, and travel planning).