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Laryngoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. This examination is crucial for diagnosing various conditions affecting the voice, breathing, and swallowing. The procedure involves using a laryngoscope, an instrument designed to visualize the vocal cords and surrounding structures within the larynx.

There are two primary types of laryngoscopy: indirect and direct. Indirect laryngoscopy utilizes a mirror placed at the back of the throat and a light source to reflect an image of the larynx onto the mirror, which is then viewed by the examiner. This method is often performed in an office setting and is less invasive. Direct laryngoscopy, on the other hand, involves inserting a rigid or flexible tube with a light and camera into the throat. The flexible laryngoscope is typically passed through the nose, while the rigid one is usually inserted through the mouth. Direct laryngoscopy provides a more detailed and magnified view of the larynx and is often performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the purpose and patient's comfort.

Indications for laryngoscopy are broad, ranging from persistent hoarseness and chronic cough to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), suspected tumors, or foreign body aspiration. It can also be used to evaluate vocal cord paralysis or to assess the airway before or after surgery. During the procedure, a physician can identify abnormalities such as inflammation, polyps, nodules, cysts, or cancerous lesions. Biopsies can be taken if suspicious tissue is found, and therapeutic interventions, such as polyp removal, can sometimes be performed during a direct laryngoscopy. The recovery time and potential risks depend on the type of laryngoscopy performed and whether sedation or anesthesia was used.