CPT® Code 61315

An infratentorial craniectomy or craniotomy is a surgical procedure performed to evacuate a hematoma located in the infratentorial region of the brain, specifically an intracerebellar hematoma. The infratentorial area is situated below the tentorium cerebelli, which is a fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum's frontal and occipital lobes. This procedure is critical in addressing hematomas that can arise from various causes, including trauma, and can lead to increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits if not treated promptly. An intracerebellar hematoma is characterized by a collection of blood within the cerebellum, typically resulting from the rupture of an artery. The surgical approach may involve either a craniectomy, where a portion of the skull is removed, or a craniotomy, where the skull is temporarily lifted to access the brain. The evacuation of the hematoma is essential to relieve pressure on the brain and restore normal function. The procedure requires careful handling of the surrounding tissues and meticulous closure to prevent complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage.