CPT® Code 63086

Add-On Code

Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, transthoracic approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s); thoracic, each additional segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Vertebral corpectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the resection of the vertebral body, which is the main part of a vertebra, along with the intervertebral discs located above and below the affected vertebra. This procedure is typically indicated for patients suffering from severe spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Conditions such as bone spurs, fractures, tumors, or infections affecting the spine may also necessitate this intervention. The thoracic spine, which is the middle section of the vertebral column, is often the focus of this procedure, and it is performed using a transthoracic approach that requires a thoracotomy, or surgical opening of the chest. This approach allows for adequate access to the thoracic spine, enabling the surgeon to effectively remove the affected vertebral body and decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots. The procedure is complex and typically involves a collaborative effort between a thoracic surgeon, who manages the chest exposure, and a spine surgeon, who performs the corpectomy. The surgical technique requires careful dissection of the overlying muscles and may involve the resection of one or more ribs to facilitate access. The use of a surgical microscope aids in the precise removal of the intervertebral discs and any bone spurs that may be compressing the neural structures. Following the excision of the vertebral body, additional procedures such as bone grafting and fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine and promote healing.