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Official Description

Decompression of orbit only, transcranial approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 61330 refers to the procedure known as "Decompression of orbit only, transcranial approach." This surgical intervention is specifically designed to relieve pressure within the orbit, which is the bony cavity that houses the eye. The transcranial approach involves accessing the orbit through the skull, typically by removing a portion of the frontal bone. This method allows surgeons to reach the superomedial aspect of the orbit, which is crucial for addressing various lesions or defects located at the orbital apex, optic canal, or those that may involve both the orbit and adjacent intracranial structures. The procedure is characterized by a bicoronal incision, which is made across the scalp, enabling the reflection of the scalp to expose the underlying bone. The careful placement of burr holes and the use of a bone saw facilitate the removal of the frontal bone while preserving the orbital rim, allowing for adequate access to the affected areas. Throughout the procedure, meticulous attention is given to the dura mater, the protective covering of the brain, to prevent injury and ensure proper reconstruction of the orbital structures post-operation. This comprehensive approach is essential for alleviating pressure on critical ocular components, including the eye and optic nerve, thereby restoring function and alleviating symptoms associated with orbital compression.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 61330 is indicated for various conditions that necessitate the decompression of the orbit. These indications may include:

  • Orbital lesions - Tumors or other abnormal growths located within the orbit that may cause pressure on ocular structures.
  • Defects at the orbital apex - Structural abnormalities at the back of the orbit that can affect vision and ocular function.
  • Optic canal involvement - Conditions affecting the optic canal, which can lead to visual impairment due to pressure on the optic nerve.
  • Intracranial structures involvement - Lesions or conditions that extend from the orbit into the intracranial space, requiring access for treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 61330 involves several critical steps to ensure effective decompression of the orbit. The steps are as follows:

  • Bicoronal incision - A bicoronal incision is made across the scalp, allowing for the reflection of the scalp to expose the frontal bone. This incision provides access to the frontal region of the skull.
  • Placement of burr holes - Medial and frontal burr holes are drilled above the orbital rims. These burr holes are essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure, facilitating access to the frontal bone.
  • Removal of frontal bone - A bone saw is utilized to connect the burr holes, allowing for the removal of a section of the frontal bone. This step is crucial for accessing the orbit and the underlying structures.
  • Reflection of the dura - The dura mater, which is the protective covering of the brain, is carefully reflected away from the floor of the frontal fossa to prevent injury during the procedure.
  • Retraction of the frontal lobe - The frontal lobe is gently retracted to expose the floor of the frontal fossa, providing a clear view of the orbital area.
  • Osteotomy of the orbital rim - An osteotomy is performed on the orbital rim or frontal bar by drilling inferomedial and inferolateral burr holes, which are then connected using a reciprocating saw. This step is critical for creating an opening to access the orbit.
  • Transverse osteotomy - A transverse osteotomy is performed to complete the release of the orbital rim, allowing for full exposure of the orbit.
  • Identification and removal of impinging structures - Once the orbit is exposed, any bony defects or other structures that are impinging on ocular structures are located and either removed or reconfigured to relieve pressure on the eye, optic nerve, and other ocular components.
  • Reconstruction of the orbit - After addressing the necessary structures, the bony components of the orbit are replaced and reconstructed to restore the anatomical integrity of the area.
  • Inspection of the dura - The dura is inspected for any signs of injury to ensure that it remains intact and functional.
  • Replacement of frontal bone - The removed section of the frontal bone is replaced and secured in position using mini-plates and screws to stabilize the area.
  • Repair of soft tissues and skin - Finally, the overlying soft tissues and skin are meticulously repaired to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following CPT® 61330 involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may require observation for signs of infection, bleeding, or neurological deficits. Pain management is typically addressed, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing and the success of the decompression. Rehabilitation may be necessary depending on the extent of the procedure and the underlying condition being treated. Patients are advised on activity restrictions to promote healing and prevent complications during the recovery phase.

Short Descr DCMPRN ORBIT ONLY TRANSCRNL
Medium Descr DECOMPRESSION ORBIT ONLY TRANSCRANIAL APPROACH
Long Descr Decompression of orbit only, transcranial approach
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 21 - Other extraocular muscle and orbit therapeutic procedures

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

69990 Addon Code MPFS Status: Restricted APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 1Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. 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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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)
Date
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2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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