Tests · Nose and throat
Videolaryngoscopy: assessing the throat and vocal cords
Videolaryngoscopy examines the pharynx, the larynx and the vocal cords with a thin camera, in the consulting room. It is indicated for persistent hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic cough and difficulty swallowing. It is carried out without anaesthesia and takes about five minutes.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Aline Bittencourt, MD, PhD, CRM-MA 7562 · RQE 1832 Updated on
What does the test assess?
Videolaryngoscopy shows, live:
- The pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth and nose.
- The larynx, where the vocal cords are.
- The movement of the vocal cords during speech and breathing.
- Signs of inflammation, lesions, nodules or polyps.
- Changes consistent with reflux reaching the larynx.
Seeing the vocal cords in motion is the central point: many voice disorders appear only during phonation, not in a static image.
How is it carried out?
- Introduction of a thin, flexible endoscope, generally through the nose.
- Simple requests during the test: sustaining a vowel, breathing deeply, swallowing.
- Assessment of the structures and of vocal cord movement.
The patient remains seated and awake, without anaesthesia. The test takes about five minutes.
When to seek assessment
- Hoarseness for more than two to three weeks.
- A persistent sensation of a lump or something stuck in the throat.
- Chronic cough with no established cause.
- Pain or difficulty swallowing that does not improve.
- Recurrent voice loss in people who use their voice for work.
Where the larynx appears normal and the voice remains altered, the next step is usually videostroboscopy, which shows vocal cord vibration.
Where it is carried out
At Clínica Rhinus, in the Renascença district of São Luís, during the consultation with the ENT specialist.
How should I prepare for this test?
- Bring the medical request: it is required for all tests, whether under insurance or self-pay.
- A light fast of about two hours, to reduce the gag reflex.
- Tell us if you take anticoagulants.
Sources: Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery (ABORL-CCF) · Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2020. · Bento RF, Bittencourt AG, Voegels RL. Seminários em Otorrinolaringologia. Fundação Otorrinolaringologia.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about nose and throat
When is videolaryngoscopy indicated?
For complaints involving the throat and the voice: hoarseness persisting for more than two or three weeks, a sensation of a lump in the throat, unexplained chronic cough, difficulty or pain on swallowing, and in the follow-up of people who use their voice professionally.
Does the test make you gag?
It can, which is why a light fast is recommended. The preferred route is through the nose, with a flexible endoscope, which considerably reduces the reflex compared with examination through the mouth. The test is quick, about five minutes, and carried out without anaesthesia.
Do I need to fast?
A light fast of about two hours is usually recommended, to reduce the gag reflex. As the test is carried out without anaesthesia, there is no restriction on eating or drinking afterwards. Confirm with our team when booking.
Does hoarseness always mean something serious?
No. Most hoarseness has benign causes: heavy voice use, laryngitis, reflux, nodules. But hoarseness persisting beyond three weeks, particularly in smokers, should be examined — not to alarm, but because examination is straightforward and waiting does not help.