ICD-10-PCS: Answer to Root Operation #9

Yesterday's operation was radiofrequency neurolysis for trigeminal neuralgia. Here's a little background. The trigeminal nerve, or cranial nerve V (as in 5), is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves. It is responsible for most of the sensation felt in the face. Trigeminal neuralgia is a stabbing face pain that comes and goes and can be very disruptive to the patient's life. It can be brought on by simple daily activities, such as washing one's face or brushing one's teeth. Radiofrequency coagulation is a procedure in which the trigeminal nerve is burned, or destroyed, thereby relieving pain. Thus, the root operation for this procedure is:

Destruction: Physical eradication of all or a portion of a body part by the direct use of energy, force, or a destructive agent.

Radiofrequency coagulation of tigeminal nerve is commonly done percutaneously (without incision). This leads to ICD-10-PCS code 005K3ZZ:


Extra Credit: Okay, so if I'm not in the mood for chocolate and want ice cream, one non-choclate choice is Haagen Dasz strawberry ice cream. Besides being delicious, I figure it's healthy because it has fruit in it! It's especially good with rainbow sprinkles - as long as they don't have any chocolate sprinkles mixed in. I never was a fan of fruit mixed with chocolate. (The two separate from each other are totally okay, though!).