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Obliterative frontal sinusotomy, as described by CPT® Code 31080, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing chronic frontal sinus conditions, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed. This procedure is less frequently performed today but remains relevant for specific indications such as intractable frontal sinusitis, mucopyocele, or complications arising from previous surgical interventions. The technique involves accessing the frontal sinus through a brow incision, which is strategically placed just below the eyebrow. This approach allows the surgeon to reach the sinus without the need for an osteoplastic flap, which is a more invasive technique that involves removing a section of bone. During the procedure, the surgeon creates an opening in the medial floor of the sinus using a burr, which is then enlarged to facilitate the use of surgical instruments. The frontal sinus mucosa is meticulously elevated and completely removed, often with the assistance of an endoscope to ensure precision. Following the ablation of the mucosa, the sinus ostium is plugged with materials such as cellulose, and the cavity is obliterated by filling it with abdominal fat, effectively preventing future complications associated with sinus disease.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The obliterative frontal sinusotomy procedure (CPT® Code 31080) is indicated for several specific conditions and scenarios, particularly when other treatment options have not yielded satisfactory results. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The obliterative frontal sinusotomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the frontal sinus condition. The following outlines the procedural steps as described in the CPT® data:
After the completion of the obliterative frontal sinusotomy, patients typically require careful monitoring and follow-up care. Post-procedure care may include managing any discomfort or pain through prescribed medications, as well as monitoring for signs of infection or complications. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific instructions regarding wound care to promote healing. The expected recovery period may vary depending on individual circumstances, but patients should be informed about the importance of follow-up appointments to assess the surgical site and overall recovery progress.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF FRONTAL SINUS | Medium Descr | SINUSOTOMY FRNT OBLITERATIVE W/O FLAP BROW INC | Long Descr | Sinusotomy frontal; obliterative without osteoplastic flap, brow incision (includes ablation) | 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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) | P1G - Major procedure - 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). | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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