At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), we know how much of an impact voice and airway problems can have on everyday life.
Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence is the only health care institution in the region that offers flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy, an advanced imaging technology that can diagnose a wide range of voice and airway disorders with a high level of precision.
What is flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy?
Flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy is an advanced imaging technology used to evaluate the causes of voice and airway problems.
It provides ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists with an unparalleled view of your larynx and surrounding structures so they can accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy can detect abnormalities too small for other imaging tests to find and can identify lesions not visible to the naked eye by utilizing light filters.
Who is a candidate for flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy?
You may qualify for flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy if you have been experiencing:
- Hoarseness or a similar problem with your voice for more than six weeks that has not responded to vocal rest and/or initial treatment from a primary care physician or ENT specialist
- Ongoing breathing problems that are not improving with initial treatments from a primary care physician or ENT specialist
This advanced test can help diagnose a wide range of voice and airway conditions with a high level of precision, including:
- Vocal cord paresis, paralysis and fixation
- Tracheal and glottic stenosis
- Neurolaryngeal disorders
- Spasmodic voice disorders
- Laryngeal and airway papillomas
- Laryngeal and tracheal cancers
- Acute, chronic and autoimmune laryngitis
What to expect during a flexible fiberoptic videostroboscopy procedure
During the procedure, an endoscope will be inserted into your nose and down your throat while you are awake. To minimize your discomfort, a numbing spray may be applied to your throat before the start of the test. While most people do not feel any pain during the procedure, you may experience a gagging sensation or feel the need to swallow.
The ENT specialist performing the test may ask you to swallow and speak at different times during the test, which will allow them to get an accurate view of your vocal cords and surrounding structures.
If an underlying issue is identified during your procedure, your ENT specialist may provide treatment at that time or take a biopsy.
After the procedure, you will be able to resume your regular activities right away.
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