Microlaryngoscopy is the standard approach for surgical removal of benign vocal cord lesions including nodules, polyps, cysts, granulomas, and scar tissue. Using a microscope and delicate microsurgical instruments — or a CO2 laser — the surgeon works through the mouth while the patient is under general anesthesia, removing or reshaping tissue with precision that minimizes disruption to the surrounding mucosa.
The goal is always maximal preservation of the normal vocal cord cover (the superficial lamina propria) while removing the offending lesion. Technique matters enormously: the same lesion removed aggressively versus conservatively can produce dramatically different voice outcomes.
For a detailed description of what to expect before, during, and after microlaryngoscopy — including anesthesia, risks, pain management, and recovery — see the Surgical Microlaryngoscopy overview.