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The orbitocranial zygomatic approach to the middle cranial fossa (MCF) is a surgical technique utilized primarily for accessing and treating various conditions affecting the orbit, sinus, and auditory structures. This approach is particularly relevant for the resection of neoplastic tumors and vascular lesions that may be located in these areas. The MCF is anatomically situated between the anterior and posterior cranial fossas, with its floor formed by critical bony structures including the body and greater wings of the sphenoid bone, the squamous part of the temporal bone, and the anterior surface of the temporal petrous bone. The procedure 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 disruption to the hairline. This careful incision allows for the elevation of a scalp flap, which is essential for accessing the underlying temporal fascia. Surgeons must take particular care to preserve the frontal branch of the facial nerve during this process, as it is crucial for maintaining facial function. The subsequent steps involve meticulous dissection and elevation of the temporal muscle, as well as the creation of burr holes in the temporal bone to facilitate the removal of a bone flap. This approach not only provides access to the MCF but also allows for the examination and potential intervention on critical vascular structures such as the cavernous sinus and carotid artery, as well as the clivus, basilar artery, and petrous apex. Ultimately, the orbitocranial zygomatic approach is a complex yet vital technique in neurosurgery, enabling the treatment of significant intracranial pathologies while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
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The orbitocranial zygomatic approach to the middle cranial fossa is indicated for various conditions that necessitate surgical intervention in the areas surrounding the orbit, sinus, and auditory structures. The following are specific indications for this procedure:
The orbitocranial zygomatic approach involves several detailed procedural steps to ensure effective access to the middle cranial fossa. The following outlines the key steps involved in the procedure:
Post-procedure care following the orbitocranial zygomatic approach involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients are typically observed for signs of infection, bleeding, or neurological deficits. Pain management is also an essential aspect of post-operative care. The surgical site will require appropriate wound care to promote healing, and follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the success of the procedure and the status of the treated lesions. Rehabilitation may be indicated depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall condition, particularly if there has been any impact on neurological function or facial nerve integrity.
| Short Descr | ORBITOCRANIAL APPROACH/SKULL | Medium Descr | ORBITOCRNL APPR MID CRANIAL FOSSA TEMPORAL LOBE | Long Descr | Orbitocranial zygomatic approach to middle cranial fossa (cavernous sinus and carotid artery, clivus, basilar artery or petrous apex) including osteotomy of zygoma, craniotomy, extra- or intradural elevation of temporal lobe | 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) |
| 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). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | 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. | 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. | 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. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 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). | 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) |
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| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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