CPT® Code 31755

The procedure described by CPT® Code 31755 refers to tracheoplasty, specifically the creation of a tracheopharyngeal fistula, which is an internal connection between the trachea and the pharynx. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for patients who have undergone a laryngectomy, a procedure that involves the removal of the larynx, often due to cancer or other significant conditions affecting the laryngeal structure. The establishment of a tracheopharyngeal fistula is crucial as it enables the patient to produce speech, which is a significant aspect of post-laryngectomy rehabilitation. Historically, the creation of this fistula required multiple surgical procedures and the use of local or distant muscle flaps and grafts to ensure proper function and healing. However, advancements in surgical techniques have allowed for the possibility of performing this procedure in a single session, streamlining the process and potentially reducing the patient's overall recovery time. The specific approach to creating the fistula may vary depending on whether it is performed concurrently with the laryngectomy or as a separate procedure at a later date. In cases where the procedure is conducted after the initial laryngectomy, careful exposure of the larynx is necessary to facilitate the surgical steps involved in the fistulization process.