Laryngoscopy is an examination that lets your doctor look at the back of your throat and vocal cords with a telescope . There are two types of laryngoscopy, and each uses different equipment.
Indirect laryngoscopy is done in a doctor’s office using a small hand mirror held at the back of the throat. Doctor shines a light in your mouth and wears a mirror on his or her head to reflect light to the back of your throat.
Indirect laryngoscopy is not done as much now because flexible laryngoscopes let your doctor see better and are more comfortable for you.
Direct fiber optic (flexible or rigid) laryngoscopy
Direct laryngoscopy lets your doctor see deeper into your throat with a fiber-optic scope. The scope is either flexible or rigid. Flexible scopes show the throat better and are more comfortable for you. Rigid scopes are often used in surgery.