CPT® Code 60521

Thymectomy, partial or total; sternal split or transthoracic approach, without radical mediastinal dissection (separate procedure)

A thymectomy, which can be either partial or total, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the thymus gland, an organ located in the upper chest beneath the sternum. This gland plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly during fetal development and childhood, as it is responsible for the production and maturation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for immune response. The thymus reaches its peak size during puberty and subsequently diminishes, being replaced by fatty tissue in adulthood. The procedure is typically performed using either a sternal split or a transthoracic approach and is indicated for various conditions, including non-metastatic thymoma, thymic carcinoid, thymic carcinoma, and myasthenia gravis. The surgical approach allows for direct access to the thymus, facilitating its removal while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. It is important to note that this procedure is classified as a separate procedure and does not involve radical mediastinal dissection, which is a more extensive surgical intervention that may be required in cases where metastatic lesions are present.