Your First Visit

Laryngology

   

What can I expect for my first visit to the Voice and Swallowing Center at Stanford?

 Questionnaires

Your laryngologist will usually ask you to fill out some forms and questionnaires with each visit to help track your progress.

 Additional Studies

Additional studies may be requested to complete the evaluation. Some examples of additional studies include: 

  • Modified Barium Swallow Study
  • Esophagram
  • Chest X-ray
  • CT or MRI of neck and or chest
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Laboratory studies
  • Laryngeal electromyography
  • Referrals to other specialists when appropriate

 Laryngoscopy

To better evaluate the cause of the voice, swallowing or airway disorder, your laryngologist will most likely want to look closely at the inside of your throat and larynx with a laryngoscopy (scope exam). With this examination the laryngologist can see lesions in the throat or larynx, evaluate the movement of the vocal folds, and evaluate the vibrations of the vocal folds with a strobe light.

The laryngoscopy may be done with a rigid laryngoscope through the mouth or with a flexible laryngoscope through the nose. If you are going to have flexible laryngoscopy, you will be given local anesthetic spray to the nose before the procedure to make the exam more comfortable. 

The entire scope exam takes only a few minutes, but provides a great deal of information. The examination is recorded and then played back and discussed with you.

What do I need to prepare for my first visit?

Save time in the clinic by downloading, printing, and completing these surveys in advance and bringing them with you to your appointment.