CPT® Code 60522

Thymectomy, partial or total; sternal split or transthoracic approach, with 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, which allows for direct access to the thymus. Thymectomy is indicated for various conditions, including non-metastatic thymoma, thymic carcinoid, thymic carcinoma, and myasthenia gravis. The surgical approach may involve radical mediastinal dissection, which entails the removal of not only the thymus but also surrounding mediastinal structures if metastatic lesions are present. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, highlighting its complexity and the need for careful surgical technique to ensure thorough removal of the thymus and any associated pathological tissues.