CPT® Code 61615

Resection or excision of neoplastic, vascular or infectious lesion of base of posterior cranial fossa, jugular foramen, foramen magnum, or C1-C3 vertebral bodies; extradural

The procedure described by CPT® Code 61615 involves the surgical removal of a lesion that may be neoplastic (tumor-related), vascular (related to blood vessels), or infectious in nature. This procedure specifically targets lesions located at the base of the posterior cranial fossa, which is the area at the back of the skull that houses critical structures such as the brainstem and cerebellum. The surgical site may include the jugular foramen, foramen magnum, or the C1-C3 vertebral bodies, which are the uppermost vertebrae in the cervical spine. Importantly, the procedure is classified as extradural, meaning that the lesion is situated outside the dura mater, the tough membrane that encases the brain and spinal cord. This distinction is crucial as it influences the surgical approach and potential complications associated with the procedure. The removal of such lesions is typically performed to alleviate symptoms, prevent further complications, or obtain tissue for diagnostic purposes.