Key points Laryngoscopy is performed to diagnose and treat diseases of the hypopharynx and larynx Adequate exposure is essential for the procedure and can be limited by a short neck, limited neck extension and other patient factors When standard laryngoscopy biopsy forceps cannot access an area of the pharynx, then flexible pulmonary or gastric biopsy forceps can be used The flexible biopsy forceps can be loaded down a cut intubating bougie to access difficult areas This correspondence explains how to perform this technique and outlines the efficacy