[Microlaryngoscopy and phonomicrosurgery]

Microlaryngoscopy is a reliable technique and the most frequently applied method in laryngeal surgery. The design of new laryngoscopes and the application of video endoscopes may permit further improvements in laryngeal exposure, whilst minimizing the damage caused by their insertion. In contrast to this, the principle microsurgical procedures for improvement, restoration and preservation of the vocal function have remained almost unchanged. These techniques are oriented towards minimal excision of pathological tissue with maximal conservation of normal tissue, in particular the epithelium of the vocal folds and the lamina propria-the basic structures for vocal fold vibration. Phonomicrosurgy can only be justified on the basis of a proven improvement as evidenced by vocal function analysis.