How long does it take to wake up from general anesthesia for vocal cord polyps?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on March 20, 2025

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Vocal cord polyps are common and frequently occurring clinical benign tumors located on the vocal cords. Clinically, the main treatment is the removal of the vocal cord polyps under a microscope-assisted laryngoscope, performed under general anesthesia. Currently, our control technique for general anesthesia is very refined, and the surgery for vocal cord polyps generally takes about 15 minutes. After these 15 minutes, our patients gradually regain consciousness. Therefore, patients undergoing general anesthesia for vocal cord polyp surgery can progressively wake up after the surgery is complete. This is achievable due to our current precise control techniques in anesthesia and medication management, allowing patients to awaken promptly after the surgery.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

53sec

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Can vocal cord polyps be treated conservatively?

Vocal cord polyps are relatively common otolaryngological diseases. Some patients may consider conservative treatments such as oral medication, nebulization therapy, and voice rehabilitation training. However, throughout the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If symptoms like hoarseness gradually improve and the vocal cord polyps shrink after conservative treatments, it might be advisable to continue the treatment. Conversely, if hoarseness or the size of the polyps does not improve or continues to grow, conservative treatments are deemed ineffective, and surgical removal may be necessary. Post-operative regular check-ups are also essential to monitor for any recurrence. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

47sec

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The causes of recurrent vocal cord polyps

The recurrence of vocal cord polyps is primarily due to patients not taking care to protect their voice usage, improper voice use, and failing to quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. The main cause of vocal cord polyps is edema in the Reinke's layer of the vocal cord mucosa, which leads to the proliferation of the surface mucosa. The main symptom in patients is a hoarse voice. After undergoing support laryngoscopy and surgical removal of the vocal cord polyps, patients are required to refrain from speaking for three to four weeks to allow the vocal cord mucosa to recover and heal. If patients do not take care of their voice during this period, there is a possibility of recurrence of the vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 3sec

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Can recurrent vocal cord polyps turn into cancer?

Recurrent vocal cord polyps can potentially lead to cancerous changes. Vocal cord polyps are caused by improper use of the voice over an extended period, such as yelling loudly or excessive fatigue, leading to changes in the vocal cords. Generally, it affects one vocal cord and causes the patient to experience persistent, progressive hoarseness. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, a neoplasm can be observed on the anterior-middle third of the affected vocal cord. This neoplasm is smooth, pale white or pale red, and has a thin stalk, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal folds and subsequent hoarseness. In terms of treatment, conservative methods are ineffective. The patient requires a microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia to remove the vocal cord polyp. Postoperative care includes antibiotics to prevent local infections, and the patient can typically recover and be discharged about a week after the surgery.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

47sec

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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one talk?

Vocal cord polyps are benign, space-occupying lesions located on our vocal cords. Treatment for vocal cord polyps involves surgical removal. Surgery for vocal cord polyps does not mean that we are unable to speak or unable to speak normally. In fact, after surgery for vocal cord polyps, we can speak normally. Once the patient wakes from general anesthesia, they can speak normally. However, it is important to emphasize that we should speak less and speak normally. Do not use a falsetto voice, as this can more easily damage the vocal cords. Speak less and pay attention to using our resonance chambers and tongue, which assist the vocal organs. Avoid shouting, as this can prevent the recurrence of vocal cord polyps.

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Written by Yao Jun

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

47sec

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What are the symptoms of vocal cord polyps?

Vocal cord polyps refer to inflammatory neoplasms located at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the vocal cords, caused by excessive or improper voice use. They may be pink, smooth, or grayish-white. Their bases are relatively wide, and some even have a pedicle because a neoplasm arises in the front middle third of the vocal cords. Therefore, patients with this condition often have difficulty closing the glottis while speaking, and hoarseness is a main symptom of vocal cord polyps. As the condition worsens, the glottis closes poorly. Speaking requires a great deal of effort to produce sound, thus making speaking laborious is another primary symptom of vocal cord polyps.