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Official Description

Excision of pilonidal cyst or sinus; extensive

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A pilonidal cyst is a type of cyst that typically forms in the area just above the cleft of the buttocks. It is often filled with hair and skin debris, which can lead to discomfort and complications if the cyst becomes infected. In cases where the cyst is chronically infected, it may develop draining sinuses, which can complicate the condition further. Surgical intervention is often necessary to address these issues, and there are various surgical options available depending on the severity and extent of the cyst. The procedure associated with CPT® Code 11771 involves an extensive excision of the pilonidal cyst or sinus. This means that the entire anterior aspect of the cyst is removed, and the base of the cyst is curetted to ensure that all infected tissue is eliminated. After the excision, the wound is left open and packed, allowing for proper healing and drainage. This approach is typically indicated for more severe cases where simpler excision methods may not be sufficient to resolve the infection and prevent recurrence.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 11771 is indicated for the treatment of chronic pilonidal cysts that have become infected and developed draining sinuses. The following conditions may warrant this extensive surgical intervention:

  • Chronic Infection Persistent infection of the pilonidal cyst that does not respond to conservative treatments.
  • Sinus Formation The presence of draining sinuses that complicate the condition and require surgical excision.
  • Extensive Cyst Size Large or extensive pilonidal cysts that necessitate a more comprehensive surgical approach to ensure complete removal.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 11771 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective excision of the pilonidal cyst:

  • Extensive Excision The surgeon begins by performing an extensive excision of the pilonidal cyst. This involves removing the entire anterior aspect of the cyst, which is crucial for addressing the infection and preventing recurrence.
  • Curettage of the Base After the cyst is excised, the base of the cyst is curetted. This step is essential to remove any remaining infected tissue and debris, ensuring that the area is clean and free from potential sources of infection.
  • Wound Packing Following the curettage, the surgical wound is left open and packed with gauze. This open packing allows for proper drainage and promotes healing, reducing the risk of complications associated with closed wounds.

3. Post-Procedure

After the extensive excision and packing of the wound, post-procedure care is critical for recovery. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow specific instructions regarding wound care to prevent infection. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the healing process and to change the packing as needed. Patients should also be informed about signs of infection or complications that may require immediate medical attention.

Short Descr REMOVE PILONIDAL CYST EXTEN
Medium Descr EXCISION PILONIDAL CYST/SINUS EXTENSIVE
Long Descr Excision of pilonidal cyst or sinus; extensive
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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