CPT® Code 63091

Add-On Code

Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina or nerve root(s), lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral; each additional segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Vertebral corpectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the resection or removal of a 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 or nerve roots. Conditions such as bone spurs, fractures, tumors, or infections affecting the spine may also necessitate this intervention. The surgery is performed on the lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spine and can be approached either through the abdomen (transperitoneal) or from the side (retroperitoneal). In many cases, a collaborative surgical approach is employed, where a general surgeon may handle the initial exposure of the surgical site, while a spine surgeon performs the corpectomy itself. The procedure requires careful dissection to protect vital structures and involves the removal of not only the vertebral body but also any surrounding diseased tissue, including bone spurs and ligaments that may be compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Following the excision, additional procedures such as bone grafting and internal fixation may be performed to stabilize the spine and promote healing.