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Official Description

Laryngeal reinnervation by neuromuscular pedicle

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laryngeal reinnervation is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring function to the larynx, specifically targeting the vocal cords. This technique utilizes a neuromuscular pedicle, which is a segment of muscle and its associated nerve supply, to re-establish nerve connections that may have been compromised due to conditions such as unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral vocal cord paralysis can result from various factors, including injury to the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves, which are crucial for vocal cord movement. The procedure is particularly indicated when there is a glottis defect measuring less than 3-4 cm and when the vocal cord appears bowed, indicating a lack of tension and proper function. The surgical approach involves making a horizontal incision in the neck, allowing access to the necessary anatomical structures. By harvesting a neuromuscular pedicle from the omohyoid muscle, which is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve, the surgeon can create a connection that facilitates improved vocal cord movement and function. This procedure is essential for patients who experience significant voice impairment due to nerve damage, aiming to enhance their quality of life through improved vocal capabilities.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of laryngeal reinnervation by neuromuscular pedicle is indicated for specific conditions related to vocal cord function. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:

  • Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis This condition occurs when one of the vocal cords is unable to move, leading to voice difficulties and potential airway obstruction.
  • Involvement of the Superior and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves Damage or dysfunction of these nerves can significantly impact vocal cord mobility and function.
  • Glottis Defect Less Than 3-4 cm The procedure is typically indicated when the defect in the glottis is within this size range, allowing for effective reinnervation.
  • Bowed Vocal Cord A bowed appearance of the vocal cord indicates a lack of tension and proper function, making reinnervation a viable option to restore normal movement.

2. Procedure

The laryngeal reinnervation procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful implementation. Each step is designed to facilitate the proper placement and securing of the neuromuscular pedicle to restore vocal cord function.

  • Step 1: Incision A horizontal skin incision is made in the neck at the level of the hyoid bone. This incision provides access to the underlying structures necessary for the procedure.
  • Step 2: Dissection The surgeon carefully dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to reach the platysma muscle, which is then incised to expose the hyoid bone.
  • Step 3: Harvesting the Neuromuscular Pedicle A neuromuscular pedicle is harvested from the omohyoid muscle. This pedicle consists of a 1 cm block of muscle that is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve, which is crucial for the reinnervation process.
  • Step 4: Creating a Window in the Thyrocartilage The thyrocartilage is incised to create a window on the affected side, allowing access to the thyroarytenoid muscle where the neuromuscular pedicle will be placed.
  • Step 5: Placement and Securing of the Pedicle The harvested neuromuscular pedicle is then placed into the thyroarytenoid muscle and secured with sutures to ensure stability and proper positioning.
  • Step 6: Closure Finally, the neck incision is closed in layers, and a drain may be placed as needed to prevent fluid accumulation and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laryngeal reinnervation procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any complications related to the surgery. Post-operative care typically includes managing pain and ensuring proper healing of the incision site. Patients may also be advised on voice rest and gradual reintroduction of vocal activities to allow the reinnervated muscle to adapt and function effectively. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the success of the procedure and monitor vocal cord function over time. Additional considerations may include speech therapy to aid in the rehabilitation of voice function following the surgery.

Short Descr REINNERVATE LARYNX
Medium Descr LARYNGEAL REINNERVATION NEUROMUSCULAR PEDICLE
Long Descr Laryngeal reinnervation by neuromuscular pedicle
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
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).
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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)
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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