CPT® Code 31201

An intranasal ethmoidectomy, specifically coded as CPT® 31201, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing diseased tissue from both the anterior and posterior 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. The surgery begins with the application of topical vasoconstrictive agents to minimize bleeding and the injection of a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The middle turbinate, a structure within the nasal cavity, is gently moved forward to provide access to the sinus ostium, which is the opening to the ethmoid sinuses. A curette, a surgical instrument designed for scraping or removing tissue, is then inserted through this opening to excise inflamed and diseased tissue. In contrast to the procedure coded as CPT® 31200, which focuses solely on the anterior ethmoid cells, CPT® 31201 encompasses a total ethmoidectomy, involving comprehensive removal of all mucosal tissue from both the anterior and posterior ethmoid cells down to the underlying bone. This thorough approach aims to alleviate symptoms and restore normal sinus function by addressing the source of inflammation and blockage within the ethmoid sinuses.