CPT® Code 0195T

Deleted

Arthrodesis, pre-sacral interbody technique, disc space preparation, discectomy, without instrumentation, with image guidance, includes bone graft when performed; L5-S1 interspace

The procedure described by CPT® Code 0195T refers to a specific type of lumbar arthrodesis, which is a surgical technique aimed at fusing the lumbar vertebrae to alleviate pain and stabilize the spine. This particular approach utilizes a pre-sacral interbody technique, which is also known as transsacral or paracoccygeal. This minimally invasive method involves accessing the anterior portion of the disc space through a small incision made near the coccyx, allowing for a less invasive entry point compared to traditional open surgery. The patient is positioned prone, and fluoroscopic imaging is employed to guide the surgical instruments accurately. During the procedure, a trocar is inserted anterior to the sacrum to create a presacral channel that leads into the disc space. The adjacent vertebral bodies are then distracted to facilitate the removal of the intervertebral disc material and the cartilage from the end plates of the vertebrae. This preparation is crucial for the subsequent spinal fusion, as it ensures that the surfaces are adequately prepared for the placement of bone graft material. Bone grafts, which may be obtained from a donor (allograft) or the patient themselves (autograft), are packed into the prepared disc space to promote fusion between the vertebrae. The procedure is specifically indicated for the L5-S1 interspace, and it is essential to report this code accurately to reflect the surgical intervention performed.