Laryngeal and Pharyngeal Endoscopy
A laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is a diagnostic test performed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to examine your voice box (larynx) and throat (pharynx). It’s used for both diagnosis and treatment, often in the same procedure.
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What is a laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy?
A laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy involves using a small tube with a camera on the end (a laryngoscope) to examine your voice box (larynx) and throat (pharynx).
You might need laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy to:
find the cause of problems with your throat or voice – such as trouble swallowing or breathing, voice changes, bad breath, or a cough or throat pain that won’t go away
take a biopsy for testing – this may be needed to find out if an abnormal area of tissue is cancerous
treat problems in the voice box – thin instruments can be passed down the laryngoscope to remove small growths such as polyps
At Welbeck, laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is carried out in our dedicated Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) centre, where our consultants use the most advanced diagnostic equipment and treatment options to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care. Our specialists take the time to explain their findings clearly and guide you through any next steps, from treatment and monitoring to onward referral, if required. With all services provided under one roof, you can expect expert and coordinated care.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Before your endoscopy, you’ll have a consultation with your ENT specialist to explain the procedure, how to prepare for it, and answer any questions you may have.
A laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure in our dedicated ENT suite, and usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on what’s required, you’ll either have your throat numbed with a local anaesthetic spray or be put under general anaesthesia.
During the endoscopy:
you’ll lie back on a comfortable bed
a thin instrument called a laryngoscope will be passed into your mouth and gently moved into the throat, so your consultant can view the pharynx and larynx
your specialist may take one or more biopsies (small tissue samples) for further analysis
when the procedure is complete, the laryngoscope will be removed
If the test is done with a local anaesthetic, you may feel a brief tickling or pressure sensation as the scope passes through your mouth or nose, and you might notice the urge to swallow or cough. This is completely normal and passes within seconds. You’ll be able to breathe and swallow normally throughout. When performed under a general anaesthetic, you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything at all.
After the endoscopy, you’ll be taken to relax in private in our dedicated recovery area while the effects of any anaesthesia wear off.
A laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is a very safe procedure, and the benefits usually outweigh the possible risks.
Risks associated with this procedure include:
reactions to anaesthesia
bleeding in the throat
infection
hoarseness
damage to the teeth
Before having a laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy procedure, you’ll meet with your consultant to discuss how you should prepare. In most cases, there’s very little you need to do to prepare for this procedure.
Your ENT specialist may ask you to stop taking certain medications, and you’ll need to stop eating and drinking for several hours before the test if you’re having a general anaesthetic.
If you have a general anaesthetic, you’ll be taken to a private recovery room after the procedure to be monitored as you wake up. You’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you, but you’ll be able to go home the same day and return to your normal activities after 24 hours.
If you have a local anaesthetic for the procedure, your throat will be numb for around an hour. You might have a sore throat for up to 24 hours after, but this shouldn’t be severe. It’s important to avoid hot food and drinks until all the feeling in your throat has returned to prevent burning.
If you’ve had any biopsies taken, you should rest your voice as much as possible for at least 2 days while the tissue heals.
Your consultant will talk you through your results and the next steps for treatment at a follow-up appointment.
Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Mr Nick HamiltonConsultant Laryngologist and ENT Surgeon
Mr Nicholas GibbinsConsultant ENT Surgeon
Dr Raghav DwivediConsultant ENT, Head, Neck & Thyroid Surgeon
Professor Guri SandhuConsultant Laryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon
Miss Alison CarterConsultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon
Mr Henry ZhangConsultant ENT
Mr Chadwan Al YaghchiConsultant ENT Surgeon
Mr Jahangir AhmedConsultant ENT Surgeon
Mr Khalid GhufoorConsultant ENT Surgeon
Our locations
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can usually talk straight after the procedure. However, your throat may feel slightly numb or sore if a local anaesthetic spray was used, so it’s best to avoid prolonged talking for the first few hours. If a biopsy was taken or your vocal cords were examined closely, your consultant may suggest resting your voice for a day or so to allow the tissues to settle.
Your consultant and physiologist will guide you through the endoscopy and check on you throughout. If the test is performed while you’re awake, you’ll be able to communicate using simple hand signals (for example, by raising your hand if you’d like them to pause). The team will explain this before starting, so you feel fully in control. Our specialists move gently and at your pace, and they’ll stop immediately if you feel any discomfort or need a short break.
Yes — a laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is often recommended for people who use their voice professionally, such as teachers, singers, broadcasters, or public speakers. It’s one of the best ways to assess the health and movement of the vocal cords and to identify problems early, such as inflammation, nodules, or strain. After the procedure, you’ll be advised to rest your voice for a short time afterwards, especially if a biopsy or close vocal cord examination is performed. This helps the delicate tissues of the throat recover fully.
At Welbeck, we have ENT specialists who have significant experience in managing patients with high vocal demands in their profession, and we work with speech therapists and professional voice coaches to help achieve the best outcome for your voice if any treatment is required.
In most cases, a laryngeal and pharyngeal endoscopy is performed safely and comfortably under local anaesthesia. However, in certain situations — for example, if a biopsy or minor procedure is needed, or if you find medical procedures particularly difficult — your consultant may recommend a general anaesthetic. Your consultant will discuss both options with you, taking into account your medical history, level of comfort, and the purpose of the examination, so that together you can decide on the best approach.