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Official Description

Orbitocranial approach to anterior cranial fossa, extradural, including supraorbital ridge osteotomy and elevation of frontal and/or temporal lobe(s); with orbital exenteration

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 61585 describes a complex surgical procedure known as the orbitocranial approach to the anterior cranial fossa, which is performed extradurally. This approach is primarily utilized for addressing various conditions affecting the anterior cranial fossa, including the resection of malignant tumors, management of infectious diseases, and treatment of traumatic injuries to the orbit and paranasal sinuses. A key component of this procedure is orbital exenteration, which involves the removal of the periorbita, eyeball, associated appendages, eyelids, and the surrounding skin. The surgical technique begins with an incision in the scalp, strategically placed along the inferior border of the zygomatic arch and extending upward and forward to intersect at the contralateral midpupillary line, ensuring minimal visibility post-operation. The procedure requires careful elevation of the frontal periosteum while preserving its attachment to the bone, allowing for optimal access to the underlying structures. The dissection continues with the mobilization of the temporalis muscle and the creation of a fascial cuff, which aids in the reapproximation of the muscle layer after the procedure. The meticulous dissection of the periorbita and the exposure of the supraorbital ridge are critical for achieving the necessary access to the orbit. The procedure may also involve the elevation of the frontal and/or temporal lobes, which can be performed without orbital exenteration, as indicated by the related CPT® Code 61584. The classification of orbital exenteration is further detailed, with four types based on the extent of tissue removal, ranging from sparing the palpebral skin and conjunctiva to complete removal of the eyeball, eyelids, and involved bone structures. This comprehensive description underscores the complexity and precision required in performing the orbitocranial approach to the anterior cranial fossa with orbital exenteration.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The orbitocranial approach to the anterior cranial fossa, as described by CPT® Code 61585, is indicated for several specific medical conditions and scenarios. These include:

  • Malignant Tumors - The procedure is often performed to resect tumors that are cancerous and located within the anterior cranial fossa.
  • Infectious Diseases - It may be indicated for the treatment of infections that affect the structures within the anterior cranial fossa.
  • Traumatic Injuries - The approach is utilized to address traumatic injuries to the orbit and paranasal sinuses, which may require surgical intervention for repair or reconstruction.

2. Procedure

The orbitocranial approach to the anterior cranial fossa involves several detailed procedural steps, which are as follows:

  • Step 1: Scalp Incision - The procedure begins with an incision made along the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. This incision is extended upward and forward in a curved manner to intersect at the contralateral midpupillary line, ensuring that the incision remains hidden behind the hairline for aesthetic purposes.
  • Step 2: Elevation of Frontal Periosteum - After the incision, the frontal periosteum is carefully elevated in a separate layer while remaining attached to the underlying bone. This technique preserves the integrity of the periosteum, which is crucial for subsequent steps.
  • Step 3: Exposure of Subgaleal Fat Pad - The subgaleal fat pad is exposed, allowing for the elevation of the temporalis fascia, muscle, and periosteal flap together with the scalp. This elevation extends from the inferior aspect of the scalp incision to the superior temporal bone.
  • Step 4: Creation of Fascial Cuff - A fascial cuff may be created during this step to facilitate the later reapproximation of the temporalis muscle layer, ensuring proper closure and healing.
  • Step 5: Mobilization of Temporalis Muscle - The temporalis muscle is then elevated from the periosteum of the underlying bone, allowing for better access to the lateral orbit.
  • Step 6: Harvesting of Flap - A flap may be harvested from the pericranium or temporalis fascia for later use in closing the dura, which is essential for protecting the brain and maintaining structural integrity.
  • Step 7: Exposure of Frontozygomatic Suture - The muscle is mobilized over the lateral orbit to expose the frontozygomatic suture, which is critical for the subsequent dissection.
  • Step 8: Periorbital Dissection - The periorbita is freed along the supralateral orbit, including the supraorbital notch medially and the frontozygomatic suture laterally. This dissection is initiated near the lacrimal gland and continues from the inferior orbital fissure laterally to the supraorbital notch medially.
  • Step 9: Osteotomy of Supraorbital Ridge - After exposing the supraorbital ridge, an osteotome or rongeur is utilized to thin or contour the bone, enhancing visibility and access to the orbit.
  • Step 10: Elevation of Frontal and/or Temporal Lobes - The procedure may also include the elevation of the frontal and/or temporal lobe(s) as necessary, which can be performed without orbital exenteration, as indicated by CPT® Code 61584.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the orbitocranial approach to the anterior cranial fossa with orbital exenteration involves careful monitoring of the patient for any complications. Expected recovery may include managing pain, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may require follow-up appointments to assess the surgical outcome and to manage any potential complications related to the removal of orbital contents. Additionally, rehabilitation may be necessary to address any functional impairments resulting from the procedure, particularly if there has been significant alteration to the facial structure or vision. The surgical team will provide specific instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications that should prompt immediate medical attention.

Short Descr ORBITOCRANIAL APPROACH/SKULL
Medium Descr ORBITOCRANIAL ANT CRANIAL FOSSA W/ORBITAL EXNTJ
Long Descr Orbitocranial approach to anterior cranial fossa, extradural, including supraorbital ridge osteotomy and elevation of frontal and/or temporal lobe(s); with orbital exenteration
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) 2 - Team surgeons permitted; pay by report.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 1 - Incision and excision of CNS

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)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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)
Date
Action
Notes
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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