Flexible Laryngoscopy
Flexible laryngoscopy is a procedure for evaluation of the vocal cords function. The function of vocal cords is also evaluated before and after the thyroid surgery do determine mobility of both vocal cords. The procedure is done under the local anesthesia in order for the patient to be able to speak and ability for the physician to see mobility of vocal cords while patient is speaking. Some neck cancers, including thyroid, can result in paratlysis of vocal cords and this is the reason why they have to be evaluated before the surgery.
Flexible laryngoscope
Vocal cords: open (on the left), closed (on the right)