How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one eat normally?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are mucous-like formations on the vocal cords. Clinically, vocal cord polyps are primarily removed through surgery. These polyps are benign lesions located in the vocal fold area, not in the digestive tract or the pharynx, therefore, they do not affect eating or swallowing. After surgery for vocal cord polyps, a patient can normally eat four to six hours after waking from general anesthesia. However, care must be taken not to cough violently while eating, and spicy or irritating foods should be consumed less or avoided altogether. This does not mean that one cannot eat normally after surgery for vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign proliferative lesions that occur on the surface mucous membrane of both vocal cords, and are also a type of chronic laryngitis. The main clinical manifestation is a hoarse voice, and it is very rare for it to become malignant. Factors such as improper vocal use due to professional reasons, respiratory infections, and other irritative factors can lead to vocal cord polyps. At this point, vocal cord polyps require surgical treatment; by surgically removing the proliferative polypoid tissue, the patient's voice can be restored and persistent hoarseness can be avoided. Additionally, after surgery, voice rest is necessary to help the healing of the vocal cord mucosal epithelium.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps be treated without surgery?

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms in the throat, primarily presenting clinically as hoarseness. Typically, vocal cord polyps are relatively large when detected, and various treatment methods often do not result in complete disappearance. Therefore, clinical treatment of vocal cord polyps mainly involves surgical removal. Sometimes, if patients are reluctant to undergo surgery, medication can be attempted. However, the likelihood of completely eliminating vocal cord polyps with medication alone is relatively low. If the condition does not improve or the polyps do not shrink or disappear after medicinal treatment, surgery is often necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Do vocal cord polyps absolutely require surgery?

Vocal cord polyps do not necessarily require surgery as there are various treatment options available. Clinically common treatments include medication, voice training, and surgical removal. If the polyp is small and the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment is generally recommended. This mainly involves voice training, oral medications, and nebulized drug therapy, along with regular check-ups using a laryngoscope to monitor changes. Most patients can effectively alleviate and recover through conservative treatment. However, if the polyp is large and causes significant hoarseness, surgical removal under a laryngoscope might be considered, followed by regular check-ups to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to take care of vocal cord polyps in daily life?

Vocal cord polyps are primarily caused by improper voice use, shouting loudly, and excessive fatigue, leading to vocal cord lesions. They cause persistent hoarseness in patients and progressively worsen. Vocal cord polyps generally occur on one side. If a patient experiences persistent hoarseness, they should first visit a hospital for an examination using a laryngoscope. In the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, a pale white or pale red, smooth-surfaced abnormal neoplasm will be found. This causes incomplete closure of the vocal cords and results in hoarseness. For treatment, vocal cord polyps require the removal through endoscopic support with a laryngoscope. Surgery requires hospitalization, and complete vocal rest for a week post-surgery, along with speaking softly and eating a bland diet, can gradually improve the condition and prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if I have a vocal cord polyp with a cold?

Patients with vocal cord polyps who catch a cold may experience worsening of their condition, which could lead to further hoarseness, as well as possible nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and phlegm. Therefore, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist after the onset of symptoms. Tests such as a complete blood count and laryngoscopy can be performed. Generally, oral medication combined with nebulization treatment can be considered, and regular follow-up examinations are needed to monitor the treatment effects. Most patients will gradually improve with timely medication treatment, but recurring episodes are possible. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)