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Flexible fibreoptic nasolaryngoscopy (FOL)
Updated 26 Jan 2010
This out-patient examination procedure is carried out to diagnose conditions of the nose and throat. A flexible laryngoscope
- allows close up view of inaccesible areas of nose and throat
- the flexible instrument allows us to see around corners
- the vocal cords can be seen in motion
- very bright illumination helps diagnose conditions of the nose, nasopharynx, larynx and hypopharynx accurately
Having flexible fibreoptic nasolaryngoscopy: What to expect
Before the procedure
- you will normally receive a local anaesthetic spray immediately beforehand to reduce any tendency to gag
- the local anaesthetic will taste bitter and you may imagine your throat is swelling up. Don't panic, that is just the local anaesthetic working
During the procedure
- the instrument will be passed gently through your nose & into your throat
- sit still and breathe through the mouth, the nurse will support you
- you may be asked to sing a high pitched note, maybe to cough, and to puff out your cheeks - don't worry, you will be told exactly what to do during the procedure
After the procedure
- don't get up until the nurse says so - you may be dizzy
we will normally tell you the result of the examination straight away- you should not eat or drink till the local anaesthetic has worn off - about an hour
- you should be ok to drive after an hour
