CPT® Code 19361

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19361 involves breast reconstruction utilizing the latissimus dorsi flap technique. This surgical intervention is typically performed following a mastectomy, where the breast tissue has been surgically removed due to cancer or other medical conditions. The latissimus dorsi muscle, located in the back, is utilized to reconstruct the breast by transferring skin, muscle, and subcutaneous fat from the back to the chest area. The process begins with the surgeon making an incision in the back to access the latissimus dorsi muscle. A portion of this muscle, along with the overlying skin and fat, is carefully dissected and then tunneled under the skin of the axilla (armpit) to reach the defect on the chest wall. This flap remains vascularized, as it is still connected to the thoracodorsal artery, ensuring an adequate blood supply to the transferred tissue. The use of a latissimus dorsi flap allows for enhanced aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction, providing better coverage and a more natural shape compared to implants alone. In some cases, this flap may be used in conjunction with a tissue expander or implant to achieve the desired breast volume. The procedure also includes the closure of the donor site with layered sutures, ensuring proper healing. Additionally, a small section of skin may be excised from the breast area to create a graft for the areola, which is sutured in place, with the nipple often reconstructed at a later stage through tissue rearrangement. This comprehensive approach to breast reconstruction aims to restore not only the physical appearance but also the emotional well-being of the patient following a mastectomy.