Laceration with foreign body of vocal cord
ICD-10 S11.032 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of vocal cord.
A laceration with a foreign body of the vocal cord refers to a traumatic injury where the vocal cord is cut or torn, often accompanied by the presence of an external object embedded within the tissue. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including accidental trauma (e.g., a sharp object like a knife or glass), penetrating injuries, or even self-inflicted wounds. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, are crucial for phonation and airway protection. Symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and pain during swallowing or speaking. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and assess the extent of the injury. Management may require surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair the laceration, and address any associated complications such as infection or airway obstruction. Prompt and accurate treatment is essential to prevent long-term vocal cord dysfunction or scarring.
Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, initial assessment findings, and any immediate interventions performed.
Patients presenting with acute throat trauma, foreign body aspiration, or accidental lacerations.
Ensure that airway management is documented, especially if intubation or other interventions were necessary.
Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, foreign body removal, and any repairs made to the vocal cords.
Surgical management of vocal cord lacerations requiring repair and foreign body extraction.
Document any complications encountered during surgery, as these may affect coding and billing.
Used to assess vocal cord injuries in the emergency department.
Document findings from the laryngoscopy and any interventions performed.
Emergency medicine providers should ensure that the urgency of the situation is reflected in the documentation.
The primary focus should be on accurately documenting the presence of a foreign body and the specifics of the laceration, including the mechanism of injury and any surgical interventions performed.
