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Code deleted. See 31551, 31552, 31553, 31554.

Official Description

Laryngoplasty; for laryngeal stenosis, with graft or core mold, including tracheotomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laryngoplasty for laryngeal stenosis is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the narrowing of the larynx, which can occur due to various reasons, either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later in life). The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, can experience stenosis in different areas, including the supraglottic, glottic, or subglottic regions, with the subglottic area being the most frequently affected. This narrowing can lead to significant breathing difficulties and voice changes. The procedure involves a tracheotomy, which is a surgical opening made in the trachea to facilitate breathing, prior to performing the laryngoplasty. During the laryngoplasty, a graft or core mold is utilized to reconstruct the laryngeal structure, thereby widening the narrowed segment and restoring normal function. This complex surgical intervention requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal outcomes for the patient.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of laryngoplasty for laryngeal stenosis is indicated in the following situations:

  • Laryngeal Stenosis The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of laryngeal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the larynx that can lead to breathing difficulties and voice impairment.
  • Congenital Conditions Patients may have congenital laryngeal stenosis, where the narrowing is present from birth, necessitating surgical intervention to improve airway function.
  • Acquired Conditions Acquired laryngeal stenosis due to trauma, infection, or prolonged intubation may also warrant this procedure to restore normal airway patency.

2. Procedure

The laryngoplasty procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful correction of laryngeal stenosis:

  • Tracheotomy The procedure begins with a tracheotomy, where a horizontal skin incision is made over the trachea. The overlying muscles are divided, and the trachea is incised to place a tracheotomy tube, allowing for ventilation during the surgery.
  • Incision for Exposure A second horizontal incision is made above the tracheotomy through the platysma muscle to expose the cervical fascia. A subplatysmal apron flap is created and elevated to provide adequate exposure of the larynx.
  • Accessing the Larynx The thyroid and cricoid cartilages, along with the upper trachea, are exposed by dividing the strap muscles in the midline and retracting them laterally. This step is crucial for accessing the stenosed area of the larynx.
  • Laryngofissure Incision A midline laryngofissure incision is made to expose the stenosed region of the larynx, allowing the surgeon to visualize and assess the extent of the narrowing.
  • Harvesting Graft Material A separately reportable costal or auricular cartilage graft is harvested. This graft is essential for augmenting the cricoid cartilage and widening the narrowed segment of the larynx.
  • Placement of Stent or Core Mold Finally, a temporary stent or core mold is placed in the reconstructed region to maintain patency and support the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laryngoplasty procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and follow-up care. The placement of the tracheotomy tube allows for continued ventilation while the larynx heals. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the throat, which is expected. It is essential to monitor for any signs of complications, such as infection or airway obstruction. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and determine when the tracheotomy tube can be safely removed. The use of voice therapy may also be recommended to help patients regain normal vocal function following the procedure.

Short Descr REVISION OF LARYNX
Medium Descr LARYNGP LARYN STENOSIS GRF/CORE MOLD W/TRACHT
Long Descr Laryngoplasty; for laryngeal stenosis, with graft or core mold, including tracheotomy
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 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory 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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system
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Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 31551, 31552, 31553, 31554.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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