CPT® Code 63287

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63287 involves a laminectomy performed specifically for the biopsy or excision of an intraspinal neoplasm located intradurally and intramedullarily within the thoracolumbar region of the spine. An intraspinal neoplasm refers to a tumor that can be benign, malignant, or of uncertain behavior, situated within the protective dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. In this surgical intervention, the tumor is accessed through an incision made in the skin over the affected cervical, thoracic, or lumbar area, depending on the tumor's location. The procedure entails careful dissection to expose the spinal cord and the tumor, which is identified within the dura mater. The surgical approach allows for either obtaining a tissue sample for pathology or excising the tumor entirely, depending on its characteristics and extent. The use of an operating microscope aids in the meticulous dissection of the tumor from surrounding tissues, ensuring that it is completely removed if possible. The procedure concludes with the closure of the dura mater, which may involve sutures or a dural patch graft to restore the integrity of the spinal canal.