CPT® Code 68328

Conjunctivoplasty with reconstruction of the cul-de-sac is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing various conditions affecting the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients experiencing issues such as redundant conjunctiva, lesions on the conjunctiva, or hyperemia, which is the increased blood flow leading to redness of the conjunctival blood vessels. The cul-de-sac, also known as the conjunctival fornix, is the anatomical area where the conjunctiva of the eyeball meets that of the eyelid, playing a crucial role in the overall function and health of the eye. During the procedure, a subconjunctival injection may be administered to elevate the conjunctiva away from the sclera, allowing for better access to the affected area. The surgeon will then excise any redundant or abnormal conjunctival tissue. Depending on the specific case, the remaining conjunctiva may be rearranged, or a conjunctival graft may be harvested from the contralateral eye to repair the defect, including the cul-de-sac area. If a conjunctival graft is utilized, the donor site is carefully marked, and the conjunctiva is elevated using a combination of a subconjunctival injection of balanced salt solution and local anesthetic. The graft is meticulously excised and prepared for placement over the defect in the conjunctiva of the opposite eye. In the case of CPT® Code 68328, a buccal mucous membrane graft, typically harvested from the lower lip, is employed to repair the conjunctival defect, ensuring that the graft is appropriately sized and shaped to fit the surgical site. This comprehensive approach aims to restore the integrity and function of the conjunctiva and cul-de-sac, ultimately improving patient outcomes.