CPT® Code 15574

Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer; forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands or feet

The CPT® Code 15574 refers to the surgical procedure involving the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle flap, which can be performed on various anatomical sites including the forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet. A pedicle flap is a type of tissue transfer that maintains its blood supply from the donor site, allowing for effective healing and integration at the recipient site. This procedure is typically the first stage in a multi-stage surgical process aimed at covering non-adjacent defects. In the case of a direct pedicle flap, the flap is created and immediately transferred to the recipient site during the same surgical session, with the donor site being approximated to the recipient site to facilitate healing. Conversely, a tubed pedicle flap involves sewing the lateral edges of the flap together to form a tube, which is then transferred to the recipient site. The procedure includes careful planning of the flap's size and shape, incision of the donor site, and raising a full-thickness flap that is sutured to the recipient site in multiple layers. After the flap is secured, the donor site is typically closed with sutures, although in some cases, a separate skin graft or local flap may be necessary to adequately close the donor site. This code is specifically utilized when the flap is transferred to the aforementioned anatomical areas or when a tubed flap is formed at these sites for later transfer to another location.