AN2114
Guru
The doctor did a CO2 laser ablation of subglottic cysts. The only code I can find is 31572 but it says laser ablation with lesion. So since it is a cyst and not a tumor can I still use this code? Or could this be inclusive with one of the other procedures. So far I have codes 31561 and 31528 that I can bill. Here is the report:
Procedure: Direct laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, CO2 laser ablation of subglottic cysts, CO2 laser epiglottopexy, balloon dilation of subglottic stenosis, right endoscopic arytenoidectomy
Details: Using a philips laryngoscope the supraglottic structures were evaluated, posterior prolapse of the epiglottis was noted with anterior prolapse of the left arytenoid indicative of laryngomalacia. Diffuse edema and cobblestoning was noted of the laryngeal structures and posterior pharyngeal wall. Using a hopkins rod the glottic introitus was entered. The immediate subglottis was inspected which revealed 3 adjacent cysts each approximately 2-3 mm on the right wall of the subglottis resulting in grade 1 subglottic stenosis. The proximal and distal trachea were also notable for diffuse edema and cobblestoning. The right and left mainstem bronchi were without abnormality. No bronchomalacia or foreign bodies were observed.
Patient's supraglottis was identified and isolated using a Lindholm laryngscope. Upon doing so, the laryngoscope was suspended and secured on the Mayo stand. The patient's head was then wrapped in wet towels. Anesthesia switched to room air for ventilation. A hopkins rod was used to visualize the epiglottis. The CO2 laser was then aimed and fired at the lingual surface of the epiglottis in the midline in an anterior to posterior direction, pulling the epiglottis anteriorly. The was repeated in the midline followed by the right and left sides of the lingual surface of the epiglottis until adequate anterior lift the epiglottis was achieved.
Next, the subglottis was visualized with the hopkins rod. The subglottic cysts were identified. After patient was again switched to room air, the CO2 laser was then aimed and fired at the 3 subglottic cysts on the right wall of the subglottis until they were ablated. Once the cysts were adequately ablated, a 10mm airway balloon was introduced into the subglottis and inflated to 15mmhg for approximately 1 minute, until patient started to desaturate into high 80s. The balloon was deflated and removed. The subglottis was reinspected with the hopkins rod and satisfactory dilation was achieved.
Next, using the hopkins rod and microlaryngeal scissors, the left arytenoid was then isolated and using a straight cup forcep and curved microlaryngeal scissor, the redundant arytenoid tissue was removed. All bleeding was controlled using afrin pledgets. Hemostasis was achieved. The stomach was suctioned. Patient was then turned over to anesthesia. Anesthesia was then reversed and the patient was transported to the recovery room having tolerated the procedure well with stable signs.
Procedure: Direct laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, CO2 laser ablation of subglottic cysts, CO2 laser epiglottopexy, balloon dilation of subglottic stenosis, right endoscopic arytenoidectomy
Details: Using a philips laryngoscope the supraglottic structures were evaluated, posterior prolapse of the epiglottis was noted with anterior prolapse of the left arytenoid indicative of laryngomalacia. Diffuse edema and cobblestoning was noted of the laryngeal structures and posterior pharyngeal wall. Using a hopkins rod the glottic introitus was entered. The immediate subglottis was inspected which revealed 3 adjacent cysts each approximately 2-3 mm on the right wall of the subglottis resulting in grade 1 subglottic stenosis. The proximal and distal trachea were also notable for diffuse edema and cobblestoning. The right and left mainstem bronchi were without abnormality. No bronchomalacia or foreign bodies were observed.
Patient's supraglottis was identified and isolated using a Lindholm laryngscope. Upon doing so, the laryngoscope was suspended and secured on the Mayo stand. The patient's head was then wrapped in wet towels. Anesthesia switched to room air for ventilation. A hopkins rod was used to visualize the epiglottis. The CO2 laser was then aimed and fired at the lingual surface of the epiglottis in the midline in an anterior to posterior direction, pulling the epiglottis anteriorly. The was repeated in the midline followed by the right and left sides of the lingual surface of the epiglottis until adequate anterior lift the epiglottis was achieved.
Next, the subglottis was visualized with the hopkins rod. The subglottic cysts were identified. After patient was again switched to room air, the CO2 laser was then aimed and fired at the 3 subglottic cysts on the right wall of the subglottis until they were ablated. Once the cysts were adequately ablated, a 10mm airway balloon was introduced into the subglottis and inflated to 15mmhg for approximately 1 minute, until patient started to desaturate into high 80s. The balloon was deflated and removed. The subglottis was reinspected with the hopkins rod and satisfactory dilation was achieved.
Next, using the hopkins rod and microlaryngeal scissors, the left arytenoid was then isolated and using a straight cup forcep and curved microlaryngeal scissor, the redundant arytenoid tissue was removed. All bleeding was controlled using afrin pledgets. Hemostasis was achieved. The stomach was suctioned. Patient was then turned over to anesthesia. Anesthesia was then reversed and the patient was transported to the recovery room having tolerated the procedure well with stable signs.