CPT® Code 11470

Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, perianal, perineal, or umbilical; with simple or intermediate repair

The CPT® Code 11470 refers to the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue specifically for the treatment of hidradenitis located in the perianal, perineal, or umbilical regions. Hidradenitis is a chronic dermatological condition that manifests as swollen, painful, and inflamed lesions affecting the cutaneous apocrine glands, which are responsible for sweat production. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and may also involve the surrounding subcutaneous tissue and fascia. In cases of suppurative hidradenitis, the presence of draining sinus tracts, also known as fistulas, is common in the affected areas. Surgical intervention is primarily indicated for suppurative hidradenitis, where the excision involves removing the skin and subcutaneous tissue that overlies the apocrine glands. The procedure may necessitate the removal of any exposed fistulous tracts to ensure complete treatment of the condition. In instances of severe suppurative hidradenitis, extensive excision of all involved skin and subcutaneous tissue may be required to adequately address the issue. Following the excision, the wound can be closed using a simple single-layer repair or an intermediate repair, which may involve deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. In contrast, more complex cases may require a complex repair, which involves extensive undermining, stents, or retention sutures, and may also necessitate the use of a separately reportable skin graft or flap to effectively close the surgical wound.