Voice Surgery

Indications for Voice Surgery

Voice Disorders: To treat voice disorders such as vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, or lesions that affect vocal quality, pitch, or volume.

Laryngeal Cancer: To remove cancerous growths or tumors from the larynx (voice box) and restore vocal function.

Vocal Cord Paralysis: To address vocal cord paralysis or weakness, often resulting from nerve damage or injury.

Spasmodic Dysphonia: To manage neurological conditions like spasmodic dysphonia, which cause involuntary muscle contractions affecting the voice.

Voice surgery is often successful in improving vocal function and quality, particularly for patients with voice disorders, laryngeal cancer, or vocal cord paralysis. With appropriate care, including voice rest and therapy, many patients experience significant improvements in their ability to speak and sing. The recovery period involves careful monitoring and rehabilitation to achieve the best possible vocal outcomes and quality of life.

The Procedure

Preparation: Voice surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Preoperative evaluations, including laryngoscopy and imaging studies, help determine the best approach.

Surgical Process: Depending on the type of surgery, the procedure may involve using an endoscope for internal access or making external incisions. For microlaryngoscopy, the surgeon uses a small camera to visualize and treat the vocal cords through the mouth.

Duration: The length of the surgery varies depending on the complexity of the case, ranging from about 30 minutes to several hours.



Voice surgery, or laryngeal surgery, is performed to treat various conditions affecting the vocal cords or larynx, such as nodules, polyps, cancer, vocal cord paralysis, or spasmodic dysphonia. The procedure, which may involve techniques like microlaryngoscopy, thyroplasty, vocal cord injections, or even laryngectomy, aims to improve vocal function and quality. Typically done under general anesthesia, the surgery requires careful postoperative care, including voice rest, pain management, and follow-up appointments. Patients may need voice therapy to aid in recovery and optimize vocal function. While risks include infection, bleeding, and potential voice changes, many individuals experience significant improvements in their ability to speak and sing, leading to enhanced quality of life after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.