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Official Description

Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, sacral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63283 involves a laminectomy performed specifically for the biopsy or excision of an intraspinal neoplasm located intradurally within the sacral region. An intraspinal neoplasm refers to a tumor that can be benign, malignant, or of uncertain behavior, and is situated within the dura mater, which is the protective covering of the spinal cord. In this case, the tumor is positioned outside the spinal cord itself, classified as extramedullary, meaning it does not invade the spinal cord tissue. The surgical approach begins with an incision in the skin over the sacral area, allowing access to the underlying structures. The procedure entails careful dissection to expose the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra, and the facet joint. Utilizing a bone drill, the surgeon removes part or all of the lamina to gain access to the dura mater and the tumor. Once the tumor is located, the dura is incised, and the tumor is assessed to confirm it lies outside the spinal cord. A biopsy may be taken for pathological analysis, and if the tumor is amenable to excision, it is meticulously dissected from surrounding tissues, often with the aid of an operating microscope, before being removed. The procedure concludes with the closure of the dura, either with sutures or a dural patch graft, ensuring the integrity of the protective covering of the spinal cord is maintained.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the evaluation and treatment of intraspinal neoplasms that are located intradurally within the sacral region. These tumors may present with various symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Neurological deficits that may arise from compression of spinal structures.
  • Back pain that is persistent and may be associated with the presence of a tumor.
  • Changes in bowel or bladder function due to the involvement of sacral nerve roots.
  • Progressive weakness or sensory changes in the lower extremities.

2. Procedure

The laminectomy for biopsy/excision of an intraspinal neoplasm in the sacral region involves several critical procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with a surgical incision made over the sacral region, allowing access to the underlying anatomical structures. The incision is carefully planned to provide optimal exposure while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Muscle Retraction Once the skin is incised, the underlying muscles are retracted away from the lamina and facet joint to expose the bony structures of the spine. This step is crucial for gaining access to the lamina that needs to be removed.
  • Step 3: Laminectomy A bone drill is utilized to remove part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra. This removal is necessary to expose the dura mater and the intraspinal tumor located within it.
  • Step 4: Dura Mater Incision After the lamina is removed, the dura mater is carefully incised over the site of the tumor. This step allows the surgeon to visualize the tumor and confirm its location relative to the spinal cord.
  • Step 5: Tumor Identification and Biopsy The tumor is identified within the dura mater, and it is confirmed that it lies outside the spinal cord. A tissue sample may be obtained for pathological examination to determine the nature of the tumor.
  • Step 6: Tumor Excision If the tumor is deemed excisable, the surgeon meticulously dissects it away from the surrounding tissues, often using an operating microscope for enhanced visualization. Once the tumor is completely free from surrounding structures, it is removed from the surgical site.
  • Step 7: Closure Following the excision or biopsy, the dura mater is closed using sutures or a dural patch graft to restore the protective barrier around the spinal cord. This closure is essential to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leaks and to maintain the integrity of the spinal canal.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications, such as infection or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Patients may experience pain at the surgical site, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. Recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the surgical site, review pathology results, and determine any further treatment needed based on the tumor's characteristics.

Short Descr BX/EXC IDRL SPINE LESN SCRL
Medium Descr LAM BX/EXC ISPI NEO IDRL SACRAL
Long Descr Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal 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) 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 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).
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.
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.)
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
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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