What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative care for vocal cord polyps surgery

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment is considered if the polyp is small. However, if the polyp is large and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment may be necessary. Currently, the main procedure is microlaryngoscopic vocal cord polyp removal surgery, which is a common minimally invasive surgical method. Post-surgery, it is generally recommended to have regular follow-ups, ideally weekly, to monitor recovery. Additionally, nebulizer treatment is advised as an auxiliary therapy to aid post-surgical recovery. After surgery, it is also important to minimize speaking and avoid overusing the voice.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How long after vocal cord polyp surgery can one eat normally?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps inflammation symptoms

Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. If vocal cord polyps are accompanied by infection and inflammation, clinical symptoms can be quite extensive, commonly including sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, burning, and itching, and there may also be a noticeable hoarseness. Generally, if the symptoms of vocal cord polyps are obvious and the inflammatory response is high, this situation can more significantly impact daily life and communication. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. In terms of treatment, oral medication and nebulization therapy are generally the main approaches, with a small number of patients requiring surgical treatment.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Vocal cord polyps should be seen by the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

Vocal cord polyps are benign neoplasms that occur on the free edge of the vocal cords. Therefore, they are primarily treated in the otolaryngology departments of clinics. In larger comprehensive hospitals, where specialties are more detailed, one might see an expert in the pharyngology or laryngology departments. In traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, patients might visit the department of otorhinolaryngology, which is included within the broader five senses (otorhinolaryngology) department. In general, the treatment of vocal cord polyps is predominantly managed by otolaryngologists, with the main treatment method being surgical removal of the polyps. After surgery, it is recommended to speak less to avoid the recurrence of the polyps.