Transoral Laser Resection of the Vocal Cords – Advice for Patients | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about transoral laser resection. Most of your questions should be answered by this advice leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team who has been caring for you.

What is transoral laser resection?

Transoral laser resection is a procedure used by a skilled surgeon to resect a small tumour or growth in your voice box (larynx). A highly specialized carbon dioxide laser beam is used. This limits damage to normal structures around the tumour such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles which are important for speech and swallowing. This procedure is performed through the mouth and throat and does not leave a visible scar.

Why do I need transoral laser resection?

You have experienced symptoms that have affected your voice and/or swallowing and you have undergone a number of investigations. You have been diagnosed with a small tumour in your voice box. Following discussion with your doctor, transoral laser resection has been recommended as a treatment to remove your tumour.

Can there be any complications or risks?

Your doctor will discuss any complications or risks with you as part of the procedure for informed consent.

How do I prepare for transoral laser resection?

This information should help to prepare you for the procedure. We recommend that you share the information it contains with your partner and/or family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support. There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you following this procedure. You will need to attend an appointment at the Pre-Assessment Clinic prior to your hospital admission. You will be given information about your hospital stay at that appointment.

What will happen?

You will generally be admitted to the ward on the day of your procedure. The procedure will take place in theatre under a general anaesthetic. You will be offered appropriate pain relief post-operatively.

What happens afterwards?

You may be expected to stay on the ward for up to 24 hours post-operatively. Please advise your healthcare team of any uncontrolled pain or an inability to eat and/or drink.

Your results will be available at your next outpatient appointment. You may require a further biopsy in 6-8 weeks to check that the treatment has been successful. Regular Consultant review appointments are arranged in the first-year post-treatment.

Voice care advice

Some change in your voice quality is expected after laser surgery and the outcome is dependent on the level of surgical resection required. You may find that input from a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) may help to optimize your voice and reduce unnecessary strain. The SLT can provide written information on how to look after your voice.

Some things to bear in mind:

Rest your voice completely for 4-7 days and then begin to use it gently. Your voice may still be very hoarse at this stage.
Do not strain your voice by whispering, shouting, singing, raising or forcing it in any way. Speak quietly or use gestures or writing if necessary.
Moisten your throat by using steam inhalation once or twice daily.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Speech & Language Therapy Department.