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At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this procedure and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the procedure and how you can help.
The larynx (LARE-inks), or voice box, is an organ in the neck that contains the vocal folds, also known as the vocal cords. Vocal folds are used to produce speech, sounds and singing. Vocal folds also protect the doorway into the trachea (TRAKE-ee-uh), which is also known as the airway or windpipe. Sometimes redness or bumps can be seen on the vocal folds during a videostroboscopy, which can be a sign of a problem with your child’s voice and breathing abilities.
The voice box works when the diaphragm (DIE-uh-fram) contracts and flattens as the lungs fill with air on inhalation (breathing in). When you exhale (breathe out), the air in the lungs goes up through the trachea to the voice box. The vocal folds (vocal cords) in the voice box stay open when you breathe and then close when you produce sound. Air bursting through the vocal cords causes them to vibrate and produce voice.
A videostroboscopy examination evaluates the structure of the throat and voice box (larynx) while your child is asked to speak. Your child’s otolaryngologist or ENT doctor and a speech-language pathologist will perform the procedure using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which is an instrument that combines a camera and fiber-optic strobe light. The endoscope is connected to a video monitor and recorder. The light from the endoscope shines into the voice box so the doctor and the speech language pathologist can see the motion of the vocal folds while speaking. This procedure allows the doctor to see how your child’s vocal folds are working.
There is no special preparation needed before the videostroboscopy.
A Parent’s/Guardian’s Role
The most important role of a parent or guardian is to help your child stay calm and relaxed before the procedure. The best way to help your child stay calm is for you to stay calm.
Your child will be moved to a room in the voice clinic equipped with an examination chair.
After the Videostroboscopy
At-Home Care And Follow-Up Visits
If your child has any special needs or health issues you feel the doctor needs to know about, please call the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at Children’s Hospital before the procedure and ask to speak with a nurse. It is important to notify us in advance about any special needs your child might have.
Locations
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
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Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.