laryngoscopic

Laryngoscopic is an adjective describing something related to laryngoscopy or performed with a laryngoscope. Laryngoscopy is the examination of the larynx, including the vocal folds and surrounding structures, using an instrument called a laryngoscope. The procedure can be diagnostic or used to guide treatment and airway management.

Laryngoscopes come in several forms. Rigid laryngoscopes use a blade to directly visualize the larynx. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes can be passed through the nose or mouth and threaded to view the larynx in a more patient-friendly way, often during awake procedures. Video laryngoscopes provide digital visualization and are widely used to aid intubation and assessment. Indirect laryngoscopy, historically performed with a mirror or lighted instrument, views the larynx without entering the airway with a rigid endoscope and is less common in modern practice.

Indications for laryngoscopy include evaluation of hoarseness or dysphonia, chronic cough, stridor, suspected laryngeal lesions or tumors, assessment of vocal cord mobility, and airway evaluation prior to anesthesia or endotracheal intubation. Techniques vary: awake laryngoscopy with topical anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia for thorough examination and possible biopsy or intervention. The chosen approach depends on the clinical question, patient factors, and available expertise.

Complications are uncommon but can include airway trauma, bleeding, laryngospasm, dental injury, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Laryngoscopic findings inform management, which may include biopsy, injection or laser therapy, or surgical procedures to address airway obstruction or vocal fold pathology.