CPT® Code 61616

Resection or excision of neoplastic, vascular or infectious lesion of base of posterior cranial fossa, jugular foramen, foramen magnum, or C1-C3 vertebral bodies; intradural, including dural repair, with or without graft

The procedure described by CPT® Code 61616 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 of the skull that houses the brainstem and cerebellum. The surgical site may include critical anatomical structures such as the jugular foramen, foramen magnum, or the C1 to C3 vertebral bodies, which are the uppermost vertebrae in the cervical spine. The operation is performed intradurally, meaning that it occurs within the dura mater, the tough outer membrane that encases the brain and spinal cord. Following the excision of the lesion, the dura mater must be repaired to restore its integrity, which may involve the use of a graft. This graft can be sourced from another part of the patient's body, ensuring that the protective covering of the brain is adequately restored after the lesion has been removed.