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If you have been recommended by your doctor to undergo vocal cord surgery, the following steps should be followed to ensure that you are well prepared for your surgery:

• Rest your voice as much as you can before the surgery

• Avoid alcohol and smoking a few weeks before the surgery to avoid complications.

• Avoid eating foods that may cause acidity or acid reflux.

• If you have been taking any medicines to soothe your throat or relieve your pain, discuss it with your doctor.

Before the surgery the doctor will follow the following guidelines:

• The doctor will first listen to your voice and ask you about your lifestyle, profession, etc to know more about the problems.

• To evaluate the problems further he will prescribe a series of scans to understand the cause and the type of infection which you have encountered. Depending on the cause, he will plan the surgery that needs to be performed. To evaluate the problems the following tests may be done:

1. Laryngoscopy: The doctor will look at your vocal cords using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end). It will help him determine the type of infection and whether one or both cords are affected.

2. Blood tests and scans: Vocal paralysis may be caused due to a nerve injury. Blood tests and MRI scans may help identify that.

3. Laryngeal electromyography: This test is used to determine the extent of damage and the duration of the recovery period.

There are different types of surgeries to treat the vocal cords. Depending on the results of the tests, the doctor will perform the required surgery. The different types of vocal cord surgeries are as follows:

1. Vocal cord injection: In this procedure, a bulkier material is injected into your vocal cords so that they can vibrate properly. This procedure uses a laryngoscope which allows the doctor to locate the vocal cords properly. Once the vocal cords are located, the doctor will inject the material through the larynx. You may be asked to be there for some time until the material spreads out evenly in your throat and then will be discharged immediately.

2. Phonosurgery: It is a surgery used to treat vocal cord paralysis if one vocal cord is paralyzed. In this procedure, the paralyzed vocal cord is moved towards the one which is still functioning using special instruments. This allows the patient to produce and breathe normally. You’ll require an overnight stay at the hospital, as it involves an incision in your neck and will require special care.

3. Tracheostomy: If both the vocal cords are paralyzed and the patient has difficulty in breathing or swallowing, tracheotomy is used. In this procedure, an incision is made in the neck which gives direct access to the trachea or windpipe. A tube is then inserted which allows breathing and swallowing and prevents suffocation.

4. CO2 laser: In this procedure, a high energy laser beam is focused on the tissues surrounding the vocal cords. Through this laser, the tissues which are infected are burnt or vaporized without any bleeding or inflammation.

After surgery, your voice may not become normal immediately. It may require a few to several weeks to recover, depending on your condition. Avoid using it continuously or speaking in a loud tone for a few weeks after surgery. The doctor may also give you a few exercises which will help in speeding the recovery.

For patients to benefit fully from their vocal cord surgery, they must follow certain recommendations soon after surgery. Some of the important measures are described below:

1. Rest your voice – The doctor advises the patients to rest their voice completely for the first few days, post-surgery.

2. Avoid clearing your throat – The patients are usually advised to avoid clearing their throat and swallow the cough instead.

3. Eat and drink as told by your doctor – Patients will be advised to eat and drink as usual. However, if you have any history of acid reflux or indigestion, you should be careful to exacerbate the condition by eating such foods.

4. Hydrate yourself – Drink plenty of water. You will experience severe dryness of the throat and larynx after the surgery. Water will keep your larynx hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry. 

5. Inhale steam – Inhaling steam from a bowl of boiling water for 5 – 10 mins. This will help relieve discomfort and reduce the soreness in your throat.

6. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol – You will be advised to avoid smoking and drinking for several weeks after surgery as it may damage your throat. Try to avoid being around other people who smoke too.

Vocal Cord Surgery is a safe procedure if performed by qualified experts. However, certain risks are associated with this procedure. The following is a set of such complications due to surgery:

• Cardiac Arrest or Hypotension (rare chance)

• Throat infections

• Numbness of tongue due to the pressure of laryngoscope

• Injury to the vocal cords

• A permanent change in voice

• Pressure on the upper teeth

• Scarring of vocal cords 

For more information about risks or complications consult your doctor.

For information on Vocal Cord Surgery cost in Chennai, contact Credihealth Medical Experts at 8010-994-994.