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An epiglottidectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing dysphagia, which is difficulty in swallowing, that arises from dysfunction of the epiglottis. This condition may occur following cancer treatment or as a result of airway narrowing associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue located at the root of the tongue that plays a crucial role in protecting the larynx during swallowing by covering it to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. The epiglottis is made up of elastic fibrocartilage and is covered by a mucous membrane, which contributes to its flexibility and function. During an epiglottidectomy, a portion or the entirety of the epiglottis is excised to alleviate the symptoms associated with its dysfunction. The procedure can be performed using different approaches, including an open incisional method or a trans-oral approach, depending on the specific clinical scenario and the extent of the epiglottic involvement. The surgical technique involves careful dissection and removal of the epiglottis while ensuring that surrounding structures are preserved as much as possible to minimize complications and promote recovery.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The epiglottidectomy procedure is indicated for specific conditions that affect the function of the epiglottis and lead to complications such as dysphagia or airway obstruction. The following are the primary indications for performing an epiglottidectomy:
The epiglottidectomy procedure can be performed using different surgical approaches, each with specific steps involved. The following outlines the procedural steps for both the open incisional approach and the trans-oral approach:
After the epiglottidectomy, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure proper recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or bleeding. Patients are typically advised on dietary modifications to accommodate their swallowing capabilities during the recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to determine if further interventions are necessary. Additionally, the placement of a drain in the subplatysmal space may require care to prevent fluid accumulation and promote healing.
| Short Descr | EPIGLOTTIDECTOMY | Medium Descr | EPIGLOTTIDECTOMY | Long Descr | Epiglottidectomy | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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 | 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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