CPT® Code 31200

An intranasal ethmoidectomy, designated by CPT® Code 31200, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing diseased tissue from the anterior ethmoid cells located within the nasal cavity. This procedure is typically indicated for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis or other conditions that lead to inflammation and blockage of the ethmoid sinuses. During the procedure, topical vasoconstrictive agents are applied to the nasal mucosa to minimize bleeding, and a local anesthetic is injected to ensure patient comfort. The surgical approach involves accessing the sinus ostium, which is the opening to the sinus, by gently moving the middle turbinate forward. A curette, a surgical instrument designed for scraping, is then inserted through this ostium to excise inflamed and diseased tissue. The goal is to remove all mucosal tissue within the anterior ethmoid cells down to the underlying bone, thereby alleviating symptoms and restoring normal sinus function. This procedure is distinct from a total ethmoidectomy, which encompasses the removal of tissue from both the anterior and posterior ethmoid cells, as described in CPT® Code 31201.