CPT® Code 11450

The procedure described by CPT® Code 11450 involves the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue specifically in the axillary region, commonly known as the armpit, to treat a condition known as hidradenitis. Hidradenitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the apocrine sweat glands, leading to the formation of painful, swollen, and inflamed lesions. These lesions can significantly impact the surrounding subcutaneous tissue and fascia, often resulting in the presence of draining sinus tracts, also referred to as fistulas, particularly in cases of suppurative hidradenitis. Surgical intervention is generally reserved for instances of suppurative hidradenitis, where the condition has progressed to a point that necessitates surgical excision. During the procedure, the surgeon excises the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue that overlies the apocrine glands, ensuring that any fistulous tracts are also exposed and removed to promote healing. The closure of the surgical site is performed using either a simple single-layer repair or an intermediate repair, which may involve one or more deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. It is important to note that if a more complex repair is required, as indicated by CPT® Code 11451, this would involve a layered closure that necessitates extensive undermining, stents, or retention sutures, and may also require separate reporting for any skin graft or flap used to close the wound.