In simple words: This procedure removes all or part of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe when you swallow. It helps people who have trouble swallowing, snore a lot, or have a tumor in that area.

This procedure involves the surgical removal of either a section or the entire epiglottis. It is typically performed to address swallowing difficulties, snoring, or the presence of a tumor. The procedure can be performed through the mouth or via an incision in the neck at the level of the hyoid bone. The latter approach involves incising and releasing the hyoid muscles, then incising the pharynx above the hyoid to access and remove the affected portion of the epiglottis. The incision is then closed with sutures.

Example 1: A patient with a large epiglottic tumor obstructing the airway undergoes epiglottidectomy for tumor removal and restoration of airway patency., A patient with severe sleep apnea due to an enlarged epiglottis undergoes epiglottidectomy to improve airflow and reduce snoring., A patient experiences persistent swallowing difficulties due to a chronically inflamed and swollen epiglottis, necessitating epiglottidectomy to improve swallowing function.

Documentation should include the medical necessity for the procedure, such as the diagnosis (e.g., tumor, sleep apnea, swallowing difficulty), the surgical approach used (transoral or transcervical), the extent of epiglottis removed, and any complications encountered. Operative reports, pre- and post-operative notes, and imaging studies should be included.