CPT® Code 31367

The procedure described by CPT® Code 31367 refers to a subtotal supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL) performed without a radical neck dissection (RND). This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for the treatment of cancer that originates from specific areas of the larynx, including the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, and false vocal cords. The goal of the subtotal supraglottic laryngectomy is to excise the cancerous tissue while preserving essential laryngeal functions, which include airway protection, respiration, and the ability to produce sound (phonation). Prior to the laryngectomy, a tracheostomy is performed to secure the airway, ensuring that the incision for the tracheostomy remains distinct from the incision made for the laryngectomy itself. The surgical approach involves making a horizontal incision in the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage, followed by the careful dissection of surrounding tissues to access the larynx. This procedure is critical for patients with localized laryngeal cancer, as it aims to remove the tumor while maintaining as much of the laryngeal structure and function as possible.