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Voice & Airway Procedures

Vocal Cord Surgery in Chennai — Precise, Voice-Preserving Phonomicrosurgery

Phonomicrosurgery • Voice rest & therapy protocol • Senior laryngology team

Laryngologist counselling a patient about vocal cord surgery at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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If your hoarseness isn't going away and surgery is on the table, this page walks you through how vocal cord surgery is performed at THANC's Voice and Airway Clinic and what the recovery actually looks like. Still unsure whether nodules or polyps can be managed with voice therapy first? Our patient guide explains both paths: Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps — A Guide for Singers and Teachers →

About Vocal Cord Surgery at THANC

Vocal cord surgery, or microlaryngoscopy, is a precise phonomicrosurgical procedure to treat benign lesions on the vocal cords — including nodules, polyps, cysts, granulomas and early vocal cord lesions. At THANC Hospital's Voice and Airway Clinic, our senior laryngologists work under high magnification using fine microsurgical instruments, and where appropriate CO2 laser, to remove the lesion while preserving the delicate vibrating layer of the vocal cord. The goal is a clear, strong voice and a safe airway.

Who Needs Vocal Cord Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent hoarseness that has not improved with voice rest or medication
  • Vocal cord nodules in singers, teachers and professional voice users
  • Vocal cord polyps, cysts or granulomas confirmed on videostroboscopy
  • Benign vocal cord lesions needing tissue diagnosis
  • Early vocal cord changes that need precise, voice-preserving removal
  • Recurrent breathy voice or voice fatigue limiting work or performance

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Voice Assessment

    A detailed laryngology examination, including videostroboscopy of the vocal cords, to map the exact lesion and grade its effect on voice. Where appropriate, a trial of voice therapy is offered first — surgery is recommended only when it is the right step for your voice.

  2. 2

    The Surgery

    Performed under general anaesthesia with a laryngoscope passed through the mouth — there are no external cuts. Using an operating microscope and fine instruments, the surgeon removes the lesion with millimetre-level precision while sparing the delicate vocal cord layer responsible for vibration. CO2 laser is used for selected lesions.

  3. 3

    Recovery in Hospital

    Most patients are observed for a few hours and discharged the same day. There is no external wound. Mild throat discomfort from the breathing tube settles within 24 to 48 hours.

  4. 4

    Voice Rest, Therapy & Follow-up

    Strict voice rest is advised for about 5 to 7 days, followed by a graded return to voice use. Our speech and language therapy team supports rehabilitation so the new, healthy vocal cord tissue heals correctly. A follow-up videostroboscopy at 4 to 6 weeks confirms healing and voice recovery.

Why Singers and Teachers Choose THANC

For professional voice users, surgery is never just about the lesion — it's about the voice that has to return to stage, classroom or broadcast afterwards. THANC's Voice and Airway Clinic combines high-magnification phonomicrosurgery with videostroboscopy and structured speech therapy, so the plan covers diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation under one roof.

  • Senior laryngology team focused on professional voice users
  • Videostroboscopy in-house for accurate pre- and post-operative assessment
  • High-magnification phonomicrosurgery preserving the vibrating vocal fold layer
  • CO2 laser available for selected lesions
  • Integrated speech and language therapy for structured voice rehabilitation
  • Graded return-to-voice plan tailored to singing, teaching or speaking work

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my voice definitely improve after vocal cord surgery?
In the large majority of patients with benign vocal cord lesions, voice improves once the lesion is removed and voice rest and therapy are completed. The final voice quality depends on the type and duration of the lesion, voice use patterns and adherence to post-operative voice rest and therapy — your laryngologist will discuss realistic expectations beforehand.
How long is the voice rest after surgery?
Strict voice rest is usually advised for about 5 to 7 days. This is followed by a graded return to voice use with guidance from our speech and language therapy team. Singing and heavy voice use are reintroduced only after the therapist and laryngologist are satisfied with healing.
Can I avoid surgery and just do voice therapy?
Many vocal cord nodules and early lesions can be treated with voice therapy alone. At THANC, we routinely offer a trial of voice therapy where appropriate, and only recommend surgery when it is clearly the right step for your voice. Your laryngologist will walk you through both options.
Is vocal cord surgery day-care?
Yes, in most cases. Patients are admitted in the morning and typically discharged the same day after a few hours of observation. Overnight stay is reserved for patients with additional medical conditions that need monitoring.
Will THANC provide a personalised estimate for my vocal cord surgery?
Yes. After your consultation and videostroboscopy review, our team prepares a written, case-specific estimate based on the type of lesion, whether laser is used and your anaesthesia plan. THANC's rates are consistently lower than prevailing market rates in Chennai while delivering world-class care.
When can singers and teachers return to professional voice use?
Return to professional voice use is planned carefully with our speech therapy team. Most patients begin light talking after about a week, graded voice use over the next few weeks, and full singing or teaching typically around 6 to 8 weeks — once the laryngologist and therapist confirm healing on videostroboscopy.

Related Voice & Airway Procedures

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Vocal Cord Surgery at THANC

  • Senior laryngology team focused on professional voice users
  • Videostroboscopy in-house for accurate pre- and post-operative assessment
  • High-magnification phonomicrosurgery preserving the vibrating vocal fold layer
  • CO2 laser available for selected lesions
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