CPT® Code 15331

Deleted

Acellular dermal allograft, 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 acellular dermal allograft is a specialized type of skin graft utilized to address skin defects located on the trunk, arms, or legs. This graft is derived from cadaver donors and undergoes a chemical treatment process that removes the antigenic epidermal cellular components. By eliminating the epidermis and the cells that trigger immune responses, the likelihood of graft rejection is significantly reduced. Initially developed for the treatment of burn victims, acellular dermal allografts have expanded in application to include reconstructive surgery, dental and oral procedures, as well as plastic and cosmetic surgeries. The procedure involves the careful preparation of the graft sheets, which are rehydrated in an isotonic sodium chloride solution before being trimmed to fit the specific dimensions of the wound. These graft sheets are then meticulously placed over the prepared wound bed, either in single or multiple layers, and secured with absorbable sutures. Any excess material at the edges of the wound is trimmed away to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, the layers of the acellular dermal allograft may be covered with a separately reportable skin flap to enhance healing. Following the application of the graft, a layered dressing is applied, which includes a bulky layer of gauze, a compression layer, and an anti-shear layer to protect the graft and promote optimal healing conditions.