CPT® Code 31552

The procedure described by CPT® Code 31552 is a laryngoplasty performed specifically for the correction of laryngeal stenosis in patients aged 12 years or older. Laryngeal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the airway in the larynx, which can occur in various regions including the supraglottis, glottis, or subglottis. This condition can be congenital, often resulting from the failure of the laryngeal lumen to recanalize after the formation of the epithelial lamina, leading to a narrowing that may be membranous, circumferential, symmetric, or cartilaginous. In cases of congenital laryngeal stenosis, the subglottic area is most commonly affected, while congenital laryngeal webs typically occur in the glottis. Acquired laryngeal stenosis can arise from several factors, including trauma from endotracheal intubation, gastroesophageal reflux, infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancies, amyloidosis, inhalation burns, or radiation exposure. Patients with laryngeal stenosis may present with a range of symptoms such as inspiratory or biphasic stridor, apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, voice hoarseness, aphonia, and dysphagia. The primary goal of laryngoplasty in this context is to create an adequate airway while preserving or improving the quality of the voice. During the procedure, an incision is made at the level of the larynx to access the thyroid cartilage, and a window is drilled into the cartilage to facilitate the correction of the stenosis. The procedure involves the dissection and removal of any obstructive tissue, including membranous webs or excess cartilage, and the placement of a graft sourced from autogenous tissue to support the airway structure. This procedure is critical for restoring normal airway function and voice quality in patients suffering from laryngeal stenosis.