How long does it take to recover normally after vocal cord polyp surgery?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Vocal cord polyp surgery usually involves the use of general anesthesia and a supported laryngoscope for the removal of the polyps. This type of surgery is relatively minimally invasive, so the general recovery time for vocal cord polyp surgery is about two to four weeks. During this two to four week period, it is crucial to rest, which means vocal rest and speaking as little as possible to aid the healing of the mucous membrane after the polyp removal and to prevent mucosal edema due to excessive phonation, which is detrimental to recovery. Post-surgery phonation is a very important factor in determining the pace of recovery. If phonation is inaccurate post-surgery, or if there is excessive talking, the recovery time may be extended. If proper vocal rest is maintained and phonation is correct and careful, recovery can be quicker. Therefore, some people may recover in two weeks, while others may take more than four weeks or even longer. In addition to vocal rest post-surgery, it is essential to ensure accurate phonation. It is crucial not to speak in a subdued voice; speak normally when necessary, or do not speak at all.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be cured by taking medicine?

Voice polyps are ineffective treated with medication; patients require local surgical excision for a cure. Common causes of vocal cord polyps include prolonged improper use of the voice, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to pathological changes in the vocal cord mucosa. This condition causes persistent hoarseness in the patient, progressively worsening over time. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a smooth, pale white or pale red neoplasm can be observed on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord. The area is soft, painless, and may cause incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps, and patients need to undergo polyp removal surgery under a supporting laryngoscope. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and patients typically recover and are discharged about one week post-operation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Is it necessary to have surgery for vocal cord polyps?

After diagnosing vocal cord polyps, it is necessary to decide whether surgery is needed based on the size of the polyps and the effectiveness of conservative treatment. If the polyps appear large under laryngoscopy and have a broad base, and conservative treatment is judged to be ineffective, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. If the polyps are small, and the doctor assesses that there is a possibility of recovery through conservative treatment and voice rest, then conservative treatment can be initially adopted for a period of time. If after conservative treatment the vocal cord polyps have not completely disappeared, or even worsened, it is also advisable to pursue aggressive surgical treatment. Therefore, whether surgery is necessary for vocal cord polyps needs to be determined by the doctor based on the results of laryngoscopy and conservative treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Why does vocal cord polyp surgery require general anesthesia?

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common type of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder. For larger polyps where conservative treatment with medication is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the main surgical procedure is the excision of vocal cord polyps under a supported laryngoscope, which requires general anesthesia. This is because the procedure is difficult for patients to endure without general anesthesia, as the supported laryngoscope is a type of metal tube that needs to be inserted through the mouth into the pharynx. Local anesthesia would be insufficient as patients might struggle to cooperate and tolerate the pain or nausea, hence general anesthesia is necessary for the surgery.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps become cancerous?

Vocal cord polyps are proliferative protrusions located on the surface of the vocal cords, typically occurring on the anterior middle third of both vocal cords. The main causes of this condition are consuming spicy and irritating foods and harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, excessive use of the voice, and occupational factors. Vocal cord polyps are usually characterized by squamous proliferation on the surface mucosa of the vocal cords, and cancerous changes are rare. If the surface of the vocal cords is uneven and the voice is notably hoarse, a biopsy treatment should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if my vocal cord polyps are inflamed?

Patients with vocal cord polyps often experience inflammation, typically caused by the polyps which make it difficult to speak, subsequently leading to edema in the laryngeal mucosa and causing acute laryngitis. In such cases, it is essential to first rest the voice and avoid excessive vocalization. At the same time, oral administration of throat-clearing medicine and antibiotics is necessary to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps should undergo support laryngoscopy surgery to remove the polyp tissue once contraindications have been ruled out, thus restoring normal vocal function. Post-surgery, it is crucial to strictly rest the voice for three to four weeks, while also avoiding spicy, irritating foods, and cold beverages to prevent exacerbating local inflammation.