Savannah Guthrie’s Vocal Cord Surgery: Inside Look and Results Revealed

After a significant recovery period, Savannah Guthrie has rejoined the TODAY show following vocal cord surgery. The 54-year-old co-anchor made her return to Studio 1A on January 23, providing insights into her health journey and the results of her procedure.

Savannah Guthrie’s Vocal Cord Surgery: Overview

In December, Savannah announced she would undergo surgery to address persistent issues with her voice that had affected her work. On January 20, during a video call with her colleagues, she previewed her post-surgery voice, while still adhering to vocal rest guidelines. She shared, “I think the good news is that it worked!”

Vocal Changes and Consultation with a Specialist

Over her years at NBC News, Savannah’s voice had noticeably deepened and become raspier. She described struggling to articulate sentences, prompting her to seek the expertise of Dr. Peak Woo, an otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai.

• Dr. Woo diagnosed Savannah with a hemorrhagic polyp and a vocal nodule—issues common among professional voice users.
• These conditions can lead to voice roughness and, if untreated, can worsen, potentially causing pain and restricting speech.

Microlaryngeal Surgery Procedure

Lucky for Savannah, a solution was available through microlaryngeal surgery. This procedure utilizes microscopic tools to delicately repair the vocal cords while preserving surrounding tissue. Performed under anesthesia, this surgery is highly specialized.

Before the operation, Savannah expressed her eagerness to regain her normal voice. Post-surgery, she encountered a unique challenge: a mandated eight days of complete silence, during which she communicated via written notes.

Recovery and Voice Reveal

After her time of silence, Savannah returned to Dr. Woo for a follow-up examination. He utilized a tiny camera to assess the healing of her vocal cords. To her delight, everything appeared to be improving. Savannah attempted to speak with her new voice, expressing her joy at the results.

• Her first phrase was, “Good morning, today is Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 2026.”
• Emotional after her initial sounds, she remarked, “It sounds so good, I could cry.”

Ongoing Vocal Rehabilitation

Following the surgery, Savannah engaged in vocal therapy to strengthen her voice. Voice therapist Shirley Tennyson guided her through exercises designed to build vocal strength without strain. Savannah commented on the recovery process, likening it to physical therapy after an injury.

As Savannah continues her rehabilitation, she remains mindful to avoid excessive speaking, though her role on the TODAY show presents a unique exception. With careful management, Savannah is optimistic about her vocal health and eager to embrace the new chapter in her professional journey.