In simple words: The doctor makes an incision along the side of your nose to remove an object stuck deep inside. This is usually done when the object is difficult to remove with simpler methods and may have been lodged there due to an injury.

This procedure involves a full-thickness incision into the nose (lateral rhinotomy) to remove a deeply embedded foreign body, often due to trauma.The incision typically extends from the inner eyebrow down the nasal sidewall, across the nasolabial fold, along the nasal alar base, and to the philtrum. The nasal soft tissues are dissected down to the bone to access the nasal cavity. The foreign body is identified and removed, and the incision is closed in layers with sutures.

Example 1: A patient presents with a piece of metal embedded in their nasal cavity following a work-related accident. Due to the depth of the impaction, a lateral rhinotomy (30320) is necessary., A child inserts a small toy deep into their nose, causing bleeding and discomfort.After failed attempts at removal in the office, the child is taken to the operating room for removal via lateral rhinotomy (30320)., Following a bicycle accident, a patient has a piece of plastic lodged in their nasal cavity near the bone.Due to its location and concern for complications, the surgeon performs a lateral rhinotomy (30320) for removal.

Documentation should include details of the incident, location and description of the foreign body, attempts at removal if any, operative report detailing the lateral rhinotomy procedure, and type of anesthesia used.