# Transoral laser surgery > Removal of tumours of the larynx and throat through the mouth, under a microscope, with a laser, leaving no incision in the neck. Source: https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/transoral-laser-surgery/ Updated: 2026-10-09 Services · Plate VII Removal of tumours of the larynx and throat through the mouth, under a microscope, with a laser, leaving no incision in the neck. Plate VII https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/transoral-laser-surgery/ ## Anatomy · Plate VII ### Transoral laser surgery, seen from the side 1. **Operating microscope**Gives a magnified view of the larynx; the laser beam is guided under it. 2. **Laryngoscope**A tube passed through the open mouth that gives a straight view of the voice box. 3. **Laser beam**Removes the tumour under magnification and seals small vessels as it cuts. 4. **Vocal cords**The tumour or lesion is removed here, under the microscope. 5. **Trachea (windpipe)**The airway below the vocal cords. No cut is made in the skin of the neck. Simplified drawing, not to scale. Transoral laser surgery (transoral laser microsurgery) treats tumours of the voice box and throat from the inside, through the mouth, without an incision in the neck. It combines an operating microscope, a laryngoscope that holds the mouth and throat open, and a carbon dioxide laser that cuts tissue with great precision while sealing small blood vessels. ## What it is The technique is used for early cancers of the vocal cords and of other parts of the larynx and lower throat, for precancerous lesions, and for some benign conditions such as papillomas or scarring that narrows the airway. The tumour is removed with a narrow margin of healthy tissue, so that as much of the normal larynx as possible is preserved. Larger tumours, or tumours that cannot be exposed through the mouth, are treated with open surgery or radiotherapy instead. ## Who it is for Adults with a small or early cancer of the larynx or throat confirmed by biopsy, adults with a suspicious lesion of the vocal cords, and selected adults with benign lesions of the larynx or airway. The mouth and neck must open well enough for the larynx to be reached. ## Symptoms and diagnosis Persistent hoarseness is the usual reason a vocal cord lesion is found. Examination with a flexible endoscope in the consultation room shows the lesion and the movement of the vocal cords, and stroboscopy or narrow-band imaging can add detail. A biopsy under anaesthesia confirms the diagnosis, and CT or MRI is used when deeper spread is possible. ## How the operation is done Under general anaesthesia, a laryngoscope is passed through the mouth and fixed in position so that the larynx is seen through the operating microscope. The laser beam is guided under high magnification, and the tumour is removed in one piece or in a few pieces, which are sent to the pathologist so that the margins can be assessed. Because the beam seals small vessels as it cuts, bleeding is minimal and there is little swelling. The operation is usually short, and no breathing opening in the neck is needed. ## Recovery Most people go home the same day or the next morning and can drink and eat soft foods within hours. The throat is sore for a few days, and the voice is hoarse until the surface heals over a few weeks. Voice rest is advised at first, followed by gentle use; voice therapy is arranged when it will help. Follow-up endoscopies check healing and watch for any recurrence. ## How Prof. Hafız works Transoral laser surgery is one of the focus areas of Prof. Hafız’s practice, alongside laryngeal cancer surgery and airway surgery, and he has contributed a chapter to a Turkish textbook on advanced technology in ear, nose and throat surgery. Whether a tumour is suitable for the laser, and what the alternatives are, is assessed at the consultation and explained together with the expected effect on the voice. ## Signs to have examined - A hoarse voice or a change in the voice that does not go away. - Pain or difficulty swallowing. - A lump or swelling in the neck. Difficulty breathing needs medical help at once. These signs are common and usually have another cause. They are a reason to see a doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist, not a diagnosis. ## References 1. Cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract: assessment and management in people aged 16 or over, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE guideline NG36) (2016) — [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng36) · Accessed 2026-10-08 2. Endoscopic cordectomy. A proposal for a classification by the Working Committee, European Laryngological Society, European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (2000) — [doi:10.1007/s004050050228](https://doi.org/10.1007/s004050050228) 3. Surgery through the mouth for laryngeal cancer (transoral surgery), Cancer Research UK (2024) — [cancerresearchuk.org](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/laryngeal-cancer/treatment/surgery/laser-surgery) · Accessed 2026-10-08 4. Symptoms of laryngeal cancer, NHS — [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laryngeal-cancer/symptoms/) · Accessed 2026-10-09 5. Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2015) — [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12) · Accessed 2026-10-09 At a glance Who it is for Adults with early tumours of the voice box or throat, and with selected benign lesions of the larynx Anaesthesia General anaesthesia Hospital stay Same day or one night First step A consultation with your endoscopy findings, biopsy result and imaging [Write on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905323748115?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment%20with%20Prof.%20Dr.%20G%C3%BCnter%20Haf%C4%B1z.)[+90 532 374 81 15](tel:+905323748115) Related areas - [VIIIMicrovascular reconstruction](https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/microvascular-reconstruction/) - [IHead and neck cancer surgery](https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/head-neck-cancer-surgery/) - [IIThyroid and parathyroid surgery](https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/thyroid-parathyroid-surgery/) [All services](https://www.profgunterhafiz.com/services/) ## What to expect 1. Before - Examination with a flexible endoscope in the consultation room. - A biopsy under anaesthesia; CT or MRI when deeper spread is possible. 2. On the day - General anaesthesia; a laryngoscope through the mouth and the operating microscope. - The laser removes the tumour with little bleeding or swelling and no cut in the skin. 3. After - Home the same day or the next morning; drinks and soft foods within hours. - Voice rest at first; the voice clears as the surface heals over a few weeks. - Follow-up endoscopies check the healing. ## Questions patients ask **Is laser surgery less effective than an open operation?** For suitable early tumours the results are comparable, with less effect on voice and swallowing and a faster recovery. The choice depends on the site and size of the tumour and on how well it can be exposed through the mouth. **Will I have a scar?** No. The operation is performed entirely through the mouth. **How will my voice be afterwards?** The voice is hoarse while the area heals and usually improves over a few weeks. The final quality depends on how much of the vocal cord had to be removed; voice therapy can help. ## Talk it through with Prof. Hafız Consultations at Selenium Plaza, Beşiktaş, Monday to Saturday. Write on WhatsApp or call the practice. [Write on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905323748115?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment%20with%20Prof.%20Dr.%20G%C3%BCnter%20Haf%C4%B1z.)[+90 532 374 81 15](tel:+905323748115)