FIBER OPTIC LARYNGOSCOPY (FOL) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to examine the throat, voice box (larynx), and vocal cords. A thin, flexible fiber-optic scope equipped with a small camera is gently inserted through the nose to provide a clear and detailed view of the upper airway. The procedure is quick, safe, and usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
FOL is commonly recommended for patients experiencing persistent hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or suspected abnormalities of the vocal cords and larynx. It helps ENT specialists accurately diagnose infections, inflammation, vocal cord disorders, polyps, tumors, and other conditions, enabling timely treatment and effective management of throat and voice-related problems.