CPT® Code 32310

The procedure described by CPT® Code 32310 refers to a parietal pleurectomy, which is a surgical intervention involving the removal of the parietal pleura, the outer layer of the pleura that lines the chest wall, including the ribs, mediastinum, pericardium, and diaphragm. The pleura itself is a serous membrane that envelops the lungs and forms a protective layer around the pulmonary cavity. In certain clinical scenarios, the visceral pleura, which is the inner layer covering the lungs, may become encased in a thick layer of fibrin, leading to constriction of the lungs and impaired respiratory function. This condition necessitates surgical intervention to enhance lung expansion and improve respiratory mechanics. During the parietal pleurectomy, a surgical incision is made in the chest, typically at the fifth or sixth intercostal space, allowing access to the pleural cavity. The parietal pleura is then meticulously dissected from the chest wall using both blunt and sharp dissection techniques. This procedure is distinct from a more extensive operation known as decortication, which involves the removal of both the parietal pleura and the thickened fibrin layer from the visceral pleura. The goal of the parietal pleurectomy is to alleviate symptoms associated with pleural disease and restore normal lung function.