How long is the hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Vocal cord polyps are benign occupying lesions on our vocal cords. Generally, the removal of vocal cord polyps is performed under a microscope-supported laryngoscope. The hospital stay for vocal cord polyp surgery is usually short, and the surgery can even be performed in a day clinic. Typically, the stay lasts about 1-3 days, although in different medical units, it can be extended to 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. In any case, it's typically within a week. Moreover, as the procedure for vocal cord polyps is relatively less harmful, the hospital stay is generally short. Post-surgery, it is important to speak less and avoid straining the vocal cords to prevent the recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can vocal cord polyps eat bayberry?

People with vocal cord polyps should avoid eating bayberries, as bayberries are acidic and can aggravate acid reflux after consumption. The acid fluid and vapors can also irritate the throat, leading to the enlargement or recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Vocal cord polyps are generally caused by prolonged improper use of the voice, such as yelling loudly, excessive fatigue, and irritation from acid reflux. These polyps can cause the voice to become hoarse and progressively worsen. During examination, a pale, lychee-like mass can be found on the anterior-middle third of one vocal cord, leading to incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Regarding treatment, medication is ineffective for vocal cord polyps. Patients need to undergo a vocal cord polyp removal surgery under supported laryngoscopy. The surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics are used to prevent local infection. Recovery is usually complete within about a week, allowing for discharge from the hospital.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules

Vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules are diseases caused by incorrect pronunciation or overuse of the voice, with the main clinical manifestation being hoarseness. The difference between vocal cord polyps and vocal cord nodules lies in their appearance under a laryngoscope: Vocal cord polyps often occur on one vocal cord, typically in the anterior one-third where a translucent, smooth swelling is found. This swelling can either have a broad stalk or a smaller stalk, and often, a hole can be observed with respiration. Vocal cord nodules are smaller and usually located symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. This implies that while polyps are commonly found on one vocal cord, nodules occur symmetrically on the anterior one-third of both vocal cords. From a general perspective, vocal cord polyps are wider and larger, whereas vocal cord nodules are only nodular lesions.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is vocal cord polyp removal painful?

Vocal cord polyp removal surgery generally does not cause notable pain. Currently, there are mainly two types of surgery for vocal cord polyps. The first type is under general anesthesia, and the second type is under local anesthesia, including topical anesthesia. If you choose surgery under general anesthesia, the patient will be under anesthesia throughout the procedure and will not feel pain. However, there might be varying degrees of pain after the surgery, although it is generally tolerable. If you choose surgery under topical anesthesia, there might be some pain during the procedure, but it typically isn't severe. Post-surgery pain is usually not too intense, but regular follow-ups are necessary, mainly to monitor for any recurrence of the polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can people with vocal cord polyps eat beef?

Patients with vocal cord polyps can eat beef. Beef is a common type of meat and does not have any side effects on vocal cord polyps, nor does it exacerbate the condition or affect the treatment outcomes. It does not directly conflict with medications used to treat vocal cord polyps. For patients with vocal cord polyps, it is recommended to follow a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Additionally, timely medical treatment should be considered. For some patients where the condition of the vocal cord polyps is severe and medical treatment is ineffective, surgery may need to be considered.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take to recover normally after vocal cord polyp surgery?

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.