CPT® Code 67039

A mechanical vitrectomy using a pars plana approach is a surgical procedure performed to remove the vitreous gel from the eye. The vitreous is a clear, gel-like substance that occupies the central cavity of the eye, and its removal may be necessary for various reasons, including the treatment of hemorrhage, clearing debris, removing scar tissue, or alleviating tension on the retina. The procedure involves making three tiny incisions in the pars plana, which is the area located in front of the ciliary body and behind the retina. Through these incisions, a light pipe, an infusion port, and a vitrectomy device are inserted. The light pipe illuminates the interior of the eye, while the vitrectomy device, which is a microscopic oscillating cutting instrument, is used to carefully remove the vitreous gel in a slow and controlled manner. As the vitreous is extracted, fluid is infused through the infusion port to maintain the appropriate pressure within the eye. Once the vitreous gel has been completely removed, the surgical instruments are taken out. Additionally, if repair of the retina is required, focal endolaser photocoagulation can be performed during the same procedure. This involves inserting an endoprobe to create small focal lesions on the retina using endolaser photocoagulation. For more extensive retinal treatment, panretinal endolaser photocoagulation may be indicated, which involves treating the entire retina following the mechanical vitrectomy.