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Official Description

Sinusotomy, maxillary (antrotomy); radical (Caldwell-Luc) with removal of antrochoanal polyps

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A radical maxillary sinusotomy, also known as an antrostomy, is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening into the maxillary sinus to facilitate access for treatment. This specific procedure, referred to as the Caldwell-Luc operation, is performed to remove antrochoanal polyps, which are abnormal growths that originate in the maxillary sinus. The procedure begins with an incision made in the oral cavity, specifically over the canine tooth, extending towards the first premolar. This approach allows the surgeon to access the maxillary sinus effectively while minimizing external incisions. The use of electrocautery aids in the dissection through the soft tissue and periosteum, ensuring that the surrounding structures, such as the infraorbital nerve, are preserved. Once the maxillary sinus is accessed through the canine fossa, the opening is enlarged to allow for adequate drainage and removal of any pathological tissue. The procedure is comprehensive, as it not only addresses the polyps but also involves obtaining specimens for culture and sensitivity testing, which is crucial for diagnosing any underlying infections. The irrigation of the maxillary sinus is performed to clear any debris and ensure a clean surgical field. This procedure is particularly indicated for patients experiencing nasal obstruction and related complications due to the presence of antrochoanal polyps, which can lead to further issues such as serous otitis media if left untreated.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radical maxillary sinusotomy (Caldwell-Luc procedure) with removal of antrochoanal polyps is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms and conditions related to the maxillary sinus. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:

  • Nasal Obstruction - Patients may experience significant nasal blockage due to the presence of antrochoanal polyps, which can impede airflow and lead to discomfort.
  • Serous Otitis Media - The obstruction of the Eustachian tube by the polyp can result in fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to serous otitis media, which necessitates intervention.
  • Recurrent Sinusitis - Patients with chronic or recurrent sinus infections may require this procedure to remove obstructive polyps that contribute to ongoing inflammation and infection.
  • Polyp Enlargement - As antrochoanal polyps grow, they may prolapse into the nasal canal and further obstruct the airway, warranting surgical removal.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a radical maxillary sinusotomy with removal of antrochoanal polyps involves several detailed steps to ensure effective access and treatment:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the oral cavity over the canine tooth, extending towards the first premolar. This strategic incision allows for direct access to the maxillary sinus while minimizing external visibility.
  • Step 2: Dissection - Using electrocautery, the surgeon carefully dissects through the soft tissue and periosteum down to the bone. This step is crucial for exposing the anterior wall of the maxilla while protecting vital structures, such as the infraorbital nerve.
  • Step 3: Elevation of Periosteum - The periosteum is elevated from the anterior wall of the maxilla, creating a pathway to access the maxillary sinus. Care is taken to avoid damage to surrounding tissues during this elevation.
  • Step 4: Accessing the Maxillary Sinus - The maxillary sinus is accessed through the canine fossa using a mallet and osteotome. This step involves creating an opening in the bone to allow for further intervention.
  • Step 5: Enlarging the Opening - The initial opening is enlarged using rongeurs, ensuring sufficient space for the removal of polyps and drainage of the sinus.
  • Step 6: Drainage and Specimen Collection - The maxillary sinus is drained, and specimens are obtained for culture and sensitivity testing. This is essential for identifying any infectious agents present in the sinus.
  • Step 7: Irrigation - The maxillary sinus is thoroughly irrigated to clear any debris and ensure a clean surgical field, promoting optimal healing.
  • Step 8: Polyp Removal - The choanal portion of the antrochoanal polyp is excised via a transoral approach, while the antral portion is removed through the canine fossa opening. Forceps are used to extract the polyp, and any surrounding maxillary sinus tissue is debrided as necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

After the radical maxillary sinusotomy with removal of antrochoanal polyps, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is important to monitor for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection. Patients may experience some discomfort and swelling in the area of the incision, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and ensure that the sinus is draining properly. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific instructions regarding nasal care and hygiene to promote recovery. Additionally, the results of the culture and sensitivity tests will guide any necessary antibiotic therapy to address any identified infections.

Short Descr EXPLORE SINUS REMOVE POLYPS
Medium Descr SINUSOT MAX ANTRT RAD W/RMVL ANTROCH POLYPS
Long Descr Sinusotomy, maxillary (antrotomy); radical (Caldwell-Luc) with removal of antrochoanal polyps
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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