The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Radiofrequency cold ablation for respiratory papillomatosis.

Description

Respiratory papillomatosis is a condition in which non-cancerous wart-like growths called papillomas grow in the throat or airways. It affects both children and adults and can causes voice changes and shortness of breath. The condition is caused by the human papillomavirus and can keep coming back after treatment. This procedure aims to dissolve or shrink the papillomas using an electric current. The procedure uses a lower temperature than other treatments, with minimal heat damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Coding recommendations

When performed on the larynx:

E35.3 Endoscopic destruction of lesion of larynx

Y10.1 Coblation of organ NOC

When performed on sites below the larynx:

E48.3 Fibreoptic endoscopic destruction of lesion of lower respiratory tract NEC

Y10.1 Coblation of organ NOC

Plus one or more of the following site codes, depending on the site(s) of treatment:

Z24.3 Trachea

Z24.4 Carina

Z24.5 Bronchus

In addition an ICD-10 code from D14.1 Benign neoplasm of larynx, D14.2 Benign neoplasm of trachea, D14.3 Benign neoplasm of bronchus and lung or D14.4 Benign neoplasm of respiratory tract, unspecified plus B97.7 Papillomavirus as the cause of disease classified to other chapters are assigned.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)