What is laryngeal stroboscopy?
Laryngeal stroboscopy is the study of the vibration of the vocal cords. It is a dynamic study that allows the larynx to be observed in operation, using the effect of light in the form of intermittent flashes.
How is the study?
The study is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. It is done in the otolaryngologist’s office. It does not require prior preparation of the patient or fasting. It is not painful but many patients have discomfort or intolerance. Topical local anesthesia with lidocaine spray can be used to lessen discomfort.
A rigid 70-degree optical fiber is placed in the shallow throat and the patient is asked to vocalize or make some sound of her voice. At that moment the movement of the vocal cords is appreciated.
In 90% of cases, the study can be carried out successfully and the result recorded on DVD. In the rest of the cases, it is done through the nose.
What conclusions can be drawn from the study?
The results obtained are of great value. They are especially useful in both organic and functional dysphonia. It can detect minimal lesions that have been missed or undefined with fiberoptic laryngoscopy studies.
It defines multiple acoustic parameters of the voice, such as the fundamental frequency, which gives us information about whether the voice is lower or higher than what corresponds to the patient’s sex. It can also differentiate lesions that “look” the same on fluoroscopy.
The most common example is the vocal cord polyp and cyst. Another case is that of the chordal groove (sulcus corydalis), which is not easy to diagnose with other methods.
Which patients are the most benefited from this study?
The patients who obtain the most benefits from this study are voice professionals: teachers, announcers, musicians, singers. Also those with important diagnostic difficulties or that the thoroughness of the diagnosis so requires.
Is this study known by other names?
Other synonyms of stroboscopy are:
laryngeal stroboscopy Stroboscopic study of the vocal cords video stroboscopy Fibro Laryngoscopy with stroboscopy
How are the vocal cords examined? – Laryngoscopy and stroboscopy
The examination of the larynx and vocal cords is called LARYNGOSCOPY, after a clinical history and general evaluation of the ears, nose, and throat, an endoscopy is performed which allows us to see the throat and larynx.
The study is very simple, it is carried out in the office, it does not require prior preparation or fasting. In some cases, spray anesthetic (lidocaine) is usually applied to the throat, or through the nostrils if the study is performed through the nose.
The most common indications are:
- voice changes
- Breathing problems (shortness of breath)
- persistent cough
- Cough or bloody phlegm
- Trouble passing food (swallowing)
- Rule out malignant tumors with persistent symptoms in smokers
- To be able to carry out vocal cord health certificates in singers, theater, or singing students
Laryngeal stroboscopy or laryngostroboscopy
Laryngeal stroboscopy is the best method to evaluate tumors or lesions of the vocal cords such as nodules, polyps, cysts, malignant or premalignant tumors.
Stroboscopy allows us to observe the vibratory movement of the mucosa of the vocal cords (mucosal wave or vibratory wave), through intermittent light shots that are synchronized with the patient’s voice (stroboscopic light) that allows the vibratory movement to be slowed down to visualize it more detail, simulating the “slow-motion” movement of the vocal cords, since under normal conditions it is not possible to observe it with traditional light.
It allows us to diagnose small lesions or tumors that could have gone unnoticed with a traditional laryngoscopy or flexible endoscopy; also observe in detail irregularities of the vocal cords, small malignant tumors or premalignant lesions, scars, as well as differentiate benign lesions such as nodules, polyps or cysts.
