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Official Description

Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; sacral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63273 involves a laminectomy performed specifically for the excision of a non-neoplastic intraspinal lesion located within the dura mater in the sacral region. Non-neoplastic intraspinal lesions can arise from various causes, including infectious agents such as tuberculosis, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, bacteria, or parasites. Additionally, non-infectious lesions may occur due to conditions like sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Inflammatory lesions, which can result from idiopathic necrotizing processes or radiation myelopathy, also fall under this category. The laminectomy procedure entails making an incision in the skin over the affected area, which may be in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions, and extending this incision down to the spinous processes. The muscle is then retracted to access the lamina and facet joint. A bone drill is utilized to remove part or all of the lamina, allowing for exposure of the spinal cord. Once the lesion is identified within the dura mater, the dura is incised, and the lesion is explored to determine its extent. A tissue sample may be collected for pathology examination. The lesion is meticulously dissected from surrounding tissues using an operating microscope, and once fully detached, it is removed. This procedure is critical for addressing non-neoplastic lesions that may cause neurological symptoms or complications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the excision of non-neoplastic intraspinal lesions located within the dura mater in the sacral region. These lesions may present due to various underlying conditions, including:

  • Infectious Lesions These may be caused by pathogens such as tuberculosis, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, bacteria, or parasites.
  • Non-Infectious Lesions Conditions such as sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus can lead to the formation of these lesions.
  • Inflammatory Lesions These may arise from idiopathic necrotizing processes or radiation myelopathy.

2. Procedure

The laminectomy procedure for excision of an intraspinal lesion in the sacral region involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with an incision made in the skin over the sacral region, extending down to the spinous processes to provide adequate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Muscle Retraction Once the incision is made, the muscle is carefully retracted away from the lamina and facet joint to expose the bony structures of the spine.
  • Step 3: Bone Removal A bone drill is then employed to remove part or all of the lamina, which is necessary to gain access to the spinal cord and the lesion located within the dura mater.
  • Step 4: Exposure of the Spinal Cord With the lamina removed, the spinal cord is exposed, allowing for the identification of the lesion within the dura mater.
  • Step 5: Dura Incision The dura mater is incised over the site of the lesion, facilitating exploration of the lesion's extent.
  • Step 6: Lesion Exploration The extent of the lesion is carefully explored, and a tissue sample may be obtained for pathology examination to determine the nature of the lesion.
  • Step 7: Lesion Dissection and Removal Using an operating microscope, the lesion is meticulously dissected away from surrounding tissue. Once it is completely free from all adjacent structures, it is removed from the surgical site.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications related to the surgery, such as infection or neurological deficits. Patients may require pain management and should be observed for signs of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Recovery time can vary based on the individual and the extent of the procedure, but follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and the effectiveness of the excision. Additional imaging studies may be warranted to ensure that the lesion has been completely removed and to monitor for any recurrence.

Short Descr EXCISE INTRSPINL LESION SCRL
Medium Descr LAM EXC ISPI LES OTH/THN NEO IDRL SACRAL
Long Descr Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; sacral
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 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 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures

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

22840 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (eg, Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across 1 interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22841 Addon Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Internal spinal fixation by wiring of spinous processes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22842 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 3 to 6 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22843 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 7 to 12 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22844 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 13 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22845 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22846 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22847 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 8 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22848 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Pelvic fixation (attachment of caudal end of instrumentation to pelvic bony structures) other than sacrum (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22853 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22854 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to vertebral corpectomy(ies) (vertebral body resection, partial or complete) defect, in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22859 CPT Add On CPT Resequenced MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh, methylmethacrylate) to intervertebral disc space or vertebral body defect without interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
63295 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Osteoplastic reconstruction of dorsal spinal elements, following primary intraspinal procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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
Date
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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