CPT® Code 24152

1. Indications

The radical resection of a tumor in the radial head or neck is indicated for the following conditions:

• Malignant Neoplasm This procedure is primarily performed for the excision of malignant tumors that pose a significant risk to the patient's health and require complete removal to prevent further spread.
• Benign Tumors In certain cases, benign tumors that may cause complications or discomfort may also necessitate radical resection.
• Indeterminate Tumors Tumors of indeterminate nature, where the potential for malignancy is uncertain, may require radical resection to ensure comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for radical resection of a tumor in the radial head or neck involves several critical steps:

• Step 1: Incision A skin incision is made directly over the tumor site in the radial head or neck. Alternatively, a skin flap may be created and elevated to provide better access to the underlying structures.
• Step 2: Dissection The surgeon carefully dissects the overlying tissue to expose the tumor, ensuring that all surrounding tissues are adequately assessed for involvement.
• Step 3: Tumor Resection All bone and cartilage in the radial head or neck that shows tumor involvement is resected. The tumor is removed en bloc, which means it is excised in one piece along with a wide margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
• Step 4: Soft Tissue Excision The radical resection includes the excision of all involved soft tissues, which may encompass muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and any tissues surrounding the joints that may be affected by the tumor.
• Step 5: Frozen Section A separately reportable frozen section may be performed during the procedure to ensure that all margins are free of tumor cells. If any margins show evidence of malignancy, additional tissue is removed until all margins are confirmed to be clear.
• Step 6: Drain Placement Drains may be placed as needed to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical site.
• Step 7: Wound Closure The surgical wound may be closed in layers, or if necessary, separately reportable reconstructive procedures may be performed to ensure optimal healing and function.

3. Post-Procedure

After the radical resection procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure proper recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain, and ensuring that drains, if placed, are functioning correctly. Patients will typically be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing and may need follow-up appointments to assess the surgical site and discuss pathology results from the excised tissue. The overall recovery process will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's health status.