© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
An adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is a surgical procedure designed to address complex defects that exceed 30 square centimeters in size, occurring in any area of the body. This procedure is typically indicated for defects that are unusual or complicated, which may arise from various causes, including traumatic wounds, lacerations, or surgical excisions of lesions or scars. In cases where a lesion or scar is present, the initial step involves excising this tissue to create a primary defect. The surgeon then evaluates the primary defect to determine the most suitable method for tissue transfer or rearrangement. Various techniques may be employed, including Z-plasty, W-plasty, V-Y-plasty, rotation flaps, advancement flaps, or double pedicle flaps. During the procedure, adjacent skin and subcutaneous tissue are carefully incised and elevated, ensuring that one or more borders of the tissue remain attached to the underlying structures. This technique creates a secondary defect, which is essential for the mobilization of the skin flaps. The surrounding tissue is undermined to facilitate adequate movement and positioning of the flaps to effectively cover the primary defect. The surgeon may choose to configure the tissue transfer or rearrangement to also address the secondary defect, or alternatively, the secondary defect may be closed using a separately reportable skin graft. Accurate measurement of both the primary and secondary defects is crucial to determine the overall size of the defect being treated, ensuring appropriate coding and documentation for the procedure.
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