CPT® Code 15111

Add-On Code

Epidermal autograft, trunk, arms, legs; each additional 100 sq cm, or each additional 1% of body area of infants and children, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

An epidermal autograft is a surgical procedure that involves the harvesting of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, to cover a defect located on the trunk, arms, or legs. This type of graft is specifically composed solely of epidermal tissue, which is crucial for promoting healing and restoring the integrity of the skin in areas where it has been damaged or lost. Common sites for harvesting the epidermal autograft include the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp, where sufficient skin can be obtained without compromising the donor site. During the procedure, local anesthetic and epinephrine are injected into the subcutaneous tissue at the donor site to minimize pain and control bleeding, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for the patient. The dermatome, a specialized surgical instrument, is then utilized to precisely remove the epidermis at a controlled depth, ensuring that only the epidermis is harvested, with minimal or no dermal tissue included. The dermatome is operated in a continuous motion with downward pressure to effectively harvest the graft. Once harvested, the graft is prepared for transfer to the recipient site, which may involve the use of a meshing device to increase the surface area of the graft, facilitating better integration and healing. The graft is then placed over the prepared wound bed of the recipient site and secured in place, typically using four corner sutures along with a running suture around the periphery. In some cases, alternative methods such as staples or fibrin sealant may be employed for securing the graft. It is important to note that CPT® Code 15110 is used for the first 100 square centimeters or less in adults or for 1% of total body surface area (TBSA) in infants and children, while CPT® Code 15111 is designated for each additional 100 square centimeters in adults or each additional 1% of TBSA in infants and children, or part thereof.