CPT® Code 61156

A burr hole craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating one or more small openings, known as burr holes, in the skull to facilitate the drainage of a hematoma or cyst located within the brain. This procedure is typically performed to address conditions such as subdural or extradural hematomas, which are collections of blood that can exert pressure on the brain and lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The process begins with an incision in the scalp, which is then flapped forward to provide access to the skull. Using a surgical drill or perforator, the surgeon creates a burr hole through both the outer and inner tables of the skull. In the case of an extradural hematoma, the blood collection is situated between the inner table of the skull and the dural membrane, while a subdural hematoma is found between the dura and the arachnoid membranes. For both types of hematomas, a cannula with a stylet is inserted through a guide to access the hematoma site. A syringe is then used to aspirate the blood from the hematoma. If the procedure involves an intracerebral hematoma or cyst, which is a collection of blood or fluid within the brain tissue itself, the cannula is advanced directly into the hematoma or cyst, and gentle suction is applied to remove the contents. This procedure is critical for alleviating pressure on the brain and preventing further neurological damage.