Laryngology/Voice Dysfunction

A subspecialty of Otolaryngology involving voice disorders, airway and swallowing issues, or throat (laryngeal) cancer is called Laryngology. Based on the patient's diagnosis, our specialists will determine what treatment plan is most beneficial for the health and well-being of the patient. In some cases, medications can effectively treat certain conditions. In other cases, an in-office procedure or surgery will need to be performed. Some examples of the types of procedures/surgeries we perform are as follows:

Vocal Chord Injections

Although most commonly known for its cosmetic indications, botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is a synthetic chemical that can be used to block nerve signals for treatment of a wide range of conditions, including voice disorders such as spasmodic dysphonia or vocal cord paralysis.

Injected directly into the vocal cords, Botox relaxes the muscles to relieve symptoms such as difficulty speaking and a tight, strained, or strangled quality to the voice. The medication weakens the vocal cord muscle to interrupt nerve signals for effective symptom relief. These results are usually only temporary, lasting approximately four months before the nerve signals return and symptoms recur.

Digital Videostroboscopy 

Digital videostroboscopy is an advanced procedure performed to analyze the motion of the vocal cord vibrations in order to identify any potential abnormalities that may be causing hoarseness, sore throat or other symptoms. These movements are invisible to the naked eye, so careful examination can provide insight into the cause of symptoms. This procedure may also be used to compare the appearance and movement of the vocal cords before and after treatment for any detected problems.

This involves inserting an endoscope with a tiny camera attached to the end through the nose or mouth and into the throat, where it is led to the vocal cords. The stroboscope technology used will capture slow-motion images of the vocal cords while the patient speaks to provide clear, informative photos of the rapidly moving structures, which can be viewed in real-time by the doctor and patient.

Transnasal Esophagoscopy

Transnasal esophagoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the esophagus in patients suffering from reflux, a condition that causes a chronic cough, throat clearing and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat as a result of abnormalities within the upper esophageal sphincter. This advanced procedure allows your doctor to evaluate the cause of your condition and develop an effective treatment plan for each individual patient.