Vocal Cord Surgery in Istanbul
Microsurgery for the nodules, polyps and cysts that keep a voice hoarse.
Why a voice turns hoarse
Your vocal cords are two soft folds of tissue in the larynx that meet and vibrate with every word you speak. No tissue in the body takes more repeated strain. A cold or a day of shouting can leave them hoarse for a while; that passes. Hoarseness that stays is different.
Persistent hoarseness usually points to something on the cords themselves: nodules, the small swellings typical of teachers, singers and everyone who works with their voice; polyps that can grow from untreated nodules; or cysts. Smoking and reflux play their part. And because lasting hoarseness can rarely signal something more serious, a voice that does not recover deserves a proper examination rather than patience.
How the operation goes
Microscopic vocal cord surgery (microlaryngoscopy) is performed through the mouth under general anesthesia, with the surgeon working under a microscope; the larynx is examined in the same session. It takes about an hour, and most patients go home the same day. Afterwards the voice rests for about a week, hot food, smoking and strain are avoided, reflux is treated if present. Learning to use the voice correctly, with professional support where useful, keeps the problem from returning.
Frequently asked questions
When should hoarseness be examined?
When it persists instead of passing with the cold or the strained weekend that caused it. A lasting change in the voice deserves examination to identify the cause, including the rare serious ones.
How long must the voice rest after surgery?
Usually about a week, as advised by your doctor. Whispering counts as strain; real rest works better.
Can nodules come back after surgery?
They can, if the voice habits that caused them continue. Voice therapy and correct speaking technique are part of lasting treatment, and Dr. Teker will advise you on both.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Cenk Teker, ENT Specialist · July 2026
Ready when you are
Consultations are held at Dr. Cenk Teker Clinic in Bakırköy, weekdays 9:00–17:00 and Saturdays until 15:00.