Concierge laryngoscopy · London
Private laryngoscopy in London, by an ENT consultant.
A thin flexible camera through the nose to see the throat and vocal cords - the definitive test for persistent hoarseness, cough or swallowing symptoms. Performed by an ENT consultant.
Why patients choose us
- 01
ENT consultants, not registrars
You are scoped by a consultant ENT surgeon on the day - the same person who explains the findings.
- 02
Stroboscopy for voice cases
Singers, teachers and public speakers get stroboscopy in units that see voice work every week.
- 03
We chase the biopsy
When tissue is taken, we make sure the histology comes back and is explained.
Indicative pricing
What a private laryngoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A flexible nasoendoscopy in clinic: £250-£500, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible nasoendoscopy | £250–£500 | 15 min | Same visit |
| Fibreoptic laryngoscopy | £400–£800 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| Stroboscopic laryngoscopy | £600–£1,100 | 30–45 min | 24–48 hrs |
| Direct laryngoscopy under GA | £2,500–£4,500 | 30–60 min | 5–10 days |
| Rigid laryngoscopy with biopsy | £3,000–£5,500 | 45–90 min | 7–14 days |
| Follow-up / surveillance | £400–£800 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by unit, whether stroboscopy or GA is used, and whether a biopsy is taken. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Hoarse for weeks, and no one has looked properly.
The single best test for a persistently hoarse voice is a look at the vocal cords. It takes minutes in clinic and gives an answer the same day.
-
Hoarse for more than three weeks?
That is a red-flag symptom. We can scope it within days - do not sit on it.
-
Voice is your job?
Ask for stroboscopy. It is the only way to see subtle vibratory changes on the vocal cords.
-
Not sure you need one?
Sometimes speech therapy, reflux treatment or a scan is the better first step. We will say so.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~45-60 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which scope, which consultant, indicative price. If laryngoscopy isn’t the right first step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. Most flexible scopes are done in clinic on the same visit as the consultation.
- 04
On the day
Arrival, consent and anaesthetic
You meet your ENT consultant. A local anaesthetic spray numbs your nose and throat. It tastes odd for a minute.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
A thin flexible camera passes through one nostril to the back of the throat. It takes a couple of minutes. You can breathe and swallow throughout.
- 06
On the day
Findings on the screen
Your consultant shows you the vocal cords and pharynx on the monitor and explains what they see, then and there.
- 07
After
Follow-up and any biopsy
If a biopsy or stroboscopy under GA is needed, we arrange it. Histology, when taken, follows in 7-14 days and we make sure it is explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Laryngoscopy answers questions no other test can - a direct view of the vocal cords, in colour, on the screen. These are the reasons people come to us.
-
Persistent hoarseness > 3 weeks
The single most important reason to have the throat scoped.
-
Chronic cough
Rules out laryngeal irritation, reflux and vocal cord causes.
-
Swallowing difficulty (globus)
That "lump in the throat" feeling that will not settle.
-
Neck lump
Direct view of the pharynx and larynx alongside neck examination.
-
Reflux affecting the throat
Diagnoses laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and posterior laryngitis.
-
Voice change in a professional voice user
Singers, teachers, actors, broadcasters - stroboscopy shows the detail.
-
Suspected mass or lesion
Polyps, nodules, cysts and suspicious lesions - seen and photographed.
-
Red flag: unexplained hoarseness > 3 weeks
A 2-week wait pathway. Do not sit on it - we scope quickly.
Procedure types
Not all laryngoscopies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
-
Flexible nasoendoscopy (through the nose)
A thin flexible scope through one nostril to the back of the throat. In clinic, under local spray, in a couple of minutes.
-
Fibreoptic laryngoscopy
Detailed view of the vocal cords and larynx using a fibreoptic scope, with video capture for review.
-
Stroboscopic laryngoscopy (voice detail)
Uses strobe light to slow the vibrating vocal cords - the gold standard for voice complaints.
-
Direct laryngoscopy under GA
A rigid scope under general anaesthetic - used to reach the whole larynx and take biopsies.
-
Rigid laryngoscopy with biopsy
Under GA in theatre, with tissue sampling and microlaryngeal surgery if needed.
-
Trans-nasal oesophagoscopy (extended)
When symptoms suggest the problem sits lower - the scope continues into the upper oesophagus.
-
Videolaryngoscopy
HD video capture during the scope - useful for follow-up comparison and second opinions.
-
Paediatric laryngoscopy
For children with stridor, hoarseness or breathing noise - specialist paediatric ENT lists only.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
-
CQC-registered ENT clinics and day-case units
-
Performed by consultant ENT surgeons
-
Modern flexible scopes with video capture
-
Stroboscopy available for voice cases
-
Biopsies read by consultant histopathologists in UKAS-accredited labs
Safety and eligibility
Very safe - a couple of things to plan around.
Flexible laryngoscopy is one of the safest ENT investigations. The details worth knowing before you come in.
-
Local anaesthetic spray
The spray numbs the nose and throat. Tastes bitter for a minute or two, wears off in half an hour.
-
Brief discomfort
A mild gag reflex is common - most people describe it as odd rather than painful. It is over in a couple of minutes.
-
A little nosebleed
Your nose may bleed a small amount as the scope passes. It settles quickly on its own.
-
Active infection
Not suitable during severe flu or a heavy nose infection - we rebook a week or two later.
-
Pregnancy is fine
Flexible nasoendoscopy under local spray is safe in pregnancy. GA laryngoscopy is deferred unless essential.
-
General anaesthetic option
Direct and rigid laryngoscopy need a GA. A pre-op assessment covers the anaesthetic and fasting.
-
Fasting for GA
Nothing to eat for 6 hours and clear fluids up to 2 hours before your GA slot. The clinic confirms times.
-
Anticoagulation and biopsy
Warfarin, DOACs and clopidogrel may need pausing before a biopsy. Never stop on your own - we coordinate it.
-
Voice rest after biopsy
A few days of gentle voice rest is usually advised after a vocal cord biopsy - the consultant will confirm.
Reading your report
A laryngoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be shown the headline on the day - the biopsy detail takes a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, what was examined, and the symptoms behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scope was done
Which scope was used, whether spray or GA, and the anatomy visualised.
- 03 Findings
What the consultant saw
Nasopharynx, pharynx, larynx and vocal cords described in turn, with any polyp, nodule, redness or lesion recorded.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, reflux changes, polyp or nodule, or suspicious lesion - read this first. Any histology follows in 7-14 days.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover laryngoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about laryngoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, comfort, urgency, results and when a GA is needed.
-
What does a laryngoscopy actually show?
It gives a direct view of the back of the nose, the pharynx, the larynx and the vocal cords. It is the definitive test for persistent hoarseness, chronic throat clearing, globus (lump-in-the-throat), suspected reflux affecting the voice, and any suspected mass in the throat.
-
Through the nose or through the mouth?
The routine test is through the nose - flexible nasoendoscopy under a local spray, in clinic, in a couple of minutes. Direct and rigid laryngoscopy go through the mouth and are done under general anaesthetic when a biopsy or a full theatre look is needed.
-
How uncomfortable is it?
The local anaesthetic spray tastes bitter and numbs the throat for about half an hour. The scope itself feels odd rather than painful - most people describe a brief gag sensation. It is over in a couple of minutes and you can go straight back to work.
-
How much does a private laryngoscopy cost in London?
A flexible nasoendoscopy in clinic is typically £250-£500. A full fibreoptic laryngoscopy is £400-£800. Stroboscopy for voice cases is £600-£1,100. Direct or rigid laryngoscopy under GA starts around £2,500. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
-
Do I need a referral?
A laryngoscopy is arranged with a short ENT consultation first, and the scope is usually done in the same visit. We can arrange that consultation quickly - no GP letter needed to get started.
-
I have been hoarse for over three weeks - how urgent is this?
Unexplained hoarseness lasting more than three weeks is a NICE red-flag symptom and follows a 2-week wait pathway on the NHS. We can arrange consultant laryngoscopy within days - do not sit on it.
-
I use my voice professionally - what should I ask for?
Ask for stroboscopic laryngoscopy in a unit that regularly sees voice work. The strobe light effectively slows the vibrating vocal cords so tiny lesions, scarring and vibratory asymmetry become visible - which a standard scope can miss.
-
When do I get the results?
The findings are shown to you on the screen and explained on the day. If tissue is biopsied, histology usually takes 7-14 days and we make sure it comes back and is explained.
-
When is a general anaesthetic needed?
A GA is used for direct or rigid laryngoscopy when the whole larynx needs to be inspected, when a biopsy or microlaryngeal surgery is required, or in children. Most adult diagnostic scopes do not need a GA.
-
When should I call my GP or 999 instead?
Sudden difficulty breathing, stridor (a noisy breathing sound), or an inability to swallow your own saliva need emergency assessment today - call 999 or go to A&E. For any lump in the neck, coughing up blood, or hoarseness with weight loss, see your GP urgently. We can arrange follow-up private laryngoscopy afterwards.
Related content
Looking for something different?
-
Nasendoscopy
The scope through the nose - a closer look at the sinuses and post-nasal space.
Learn more -
Hearing test
A full audiology assessment when the ear may be part of the picture.
Learn more -
Endoscopy (OGD)
The upper-GI scope - when symptoms sit lower than the throat.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Browse the full library of tests we arrange.
Learn more -
Tinnitus
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Chronic Sinusitis
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Cochlear Implants
Related treatment option.
Learn more -
Cholesteatoma Surgery
Related treatment option.
Learn more
In practice, in London
Where laryngoscopy sits in a private London pathway
With laryngoscopy, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. Public provision for laryngoscopy is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
Once you’re in the private system for laryngoscopy, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different - one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For laryngoscopy specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
The value of going through a concierge for laryngoscopy isn’t access - anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.