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Official Description

Laryngoplasty; for laryngeal stenosis, with graft, without indwelling stent placement, age 12 years or older

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 31552 is a laryngoplasty performed specifically for the correction of laryngeal stenosis in patients aged 12 years or older. Laryngeal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the airway in the larynx, which can occur in various regions including the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis. This condition can be congenital, often resulting from the failure of the laryngeal lumen to recanalize after the formation of the epithelial lamina, leading to a narrowing that may be membranous, circumferential, symmetric, or cartilaginous. In cases of congenital laryngeal stenosis, the subglottic area is most commonly affected, while congenital laryngeal webs typically occur in the glottis. Acquired laryngeal stenosis can arise from several factors, including trauma from endotracheal intubation, gastroesophageal reflux, infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancies, amyloidosis, inhalation burns, or radiation exposure. Patients with laryngeal stenosis may present with a range of symptoms such as inspiratory or biphasic stridor, apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, voice hoarseness, aphonia, and dysphagia. The primary goal of laryngoplasty in this context is to create an adequate airway while preserving or improving the quality of the voice. During the procedure, an incision is made at the level of the larynx to access the thyroid cartilage, and a window is drilled into the cartilage to facilitate the correction of the stenosis. The procedure involves the dissection and removal of any obstructive tissue, including membranous webs or excess cartilage, and the placement of a graft sourced from autogenous tissue to support the airway structure. This procedure is critical for restoring normal airway function and voice quality in patients suffering from laryngeal stenosis.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laryngoplasty procedure described by CPT® Code 31552 is indicated for patients aged 12 years or older who are experiencing laryngeal stenosis. The specific indications for this procedure include:

  • Laryngeal Stenosis: Characterized by partial or circumferential narrowing of the airway in the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis.
  • Congenital Causes: Stenosis that may arise from developmental issues, such as failure of the laryngeal lumen to recanalize, leading to membranous or cartilaginous narrowing.
  • Acquired Causes: Stenosis resulting from trauma (e.g., endotracheal intubation), gastroesophageal reflux, infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancies, amyloidosis, inhalation burns, or radiation.
  • Symptoms: Patients may present with inspiratory or biphasic stridor, apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, voice hoarseness, aphonia, and dysphagia, indicating the need for intervention.

2. Procedure

The laryngoplasty procedure for laryngeal stenosis involves several critical steps to ensure effective airway reconstruction. The procedural steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: An endotracheal tube is placed to maintain airway patency during the procedure. This is essential for ensuring that the patient can breathe adequately while the surgical intervention is performed.
  • Step 2: An incision is made at the level of the larynx to expose the thyroid cartilage. This incision allows the surgeon to access the underlying structures that require correction.
  • Step 3: Using a burr, a window is drilled into the thyroid cartilage, specifically located posterior to the midline and above the lower edge of the thyroid. This window facilitates access to the area of stenosis.
  • Step 4: The perichondrium is undermined posterior and inferior to the drilled window. This step is crucial for mobilizing the tissue and preparing it for the graft placement.
  • Step 5: An endoscope is utilized to visualize the larynx, including the glottis and cricoarytenoid joints. This visualization is important for assessing the extent of the stenosis and guiding the surgical intervention.
  • Step 6: The area of stenosis is carefully dissected to remove any obstructive membranous webs or excess cartilage that may be contributing to the airway narrowing.
  • Step 7: A graft is fashioned from autogenous tissue, which may include costal cartilage, auricular cartilage, thyroid cartilage, or buccal mucosa. This graft is obtained during a separately reported procedure and is sutured in place to support the airway structure.
  • Step 8: Although the procedure is performed without indwelling stent placement, a stent made of molded silicone or Teflon may be placed in the airway to secure the graft and expand the reconstructed area if necessary. Alternatively, an endotracheal tube may be left in place to stent the airway.
  • Step 9: After the graft is secured and the airway is adequately reconstructed, the endoscope is removed, and the incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following laryngoplasty for laryngeal stenosis involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may require observation for respiratory function, as the airway has been surgically altered. It is essential to assess for any signs of airway obstruction or graft failure. Patients may also experience temporary voice changes as they recover from the procedure. Follow-up appointments are necessary to evaluate the success of the graft and the overall airway function. Additional interventions may be required based on the patient's recovery and any complications that may arise.

Short Descr LARYNGOPLASTY LARYNGEAL STEN
Medium Descr LARYNGOPLASTY LARYNGEAL STEN W/O STENT 12 YRS >
Long Descr Laryngoplasty; for laryngeal stenosis, with graft, without indwelling stent placement, age 12 years or older
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8H - Endoscopy - laryngoscopy
MUE 1
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).
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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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2017-01-01 Added Added
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