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Official Description

Resection temporal bone, external approach

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 69535 involves the resection of the temporal bone through an external approach. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for conditions affecting the temporal bone, which may include tumors, infections, or other pathological processes that compromise the integrity of the bone or surrounding structures. The procedure begins with a C-shaped incision that is strategically placed above the ear, allowing for optimal access to the temporal bone. The incision extends in a wide arc around the ear and down the neck, facilitating the elevation of a flap that provides visibility and access to the underlying anatomical structures. During the surgery, the temporal muscle, mastoid, and neck structures are carefully exposed to allow for the identification and excision of the diseased portion of the temporal bone. After the removal of all affected bone, the surgical site is meticulously repaired in layers to promote healing and restore the integrity of the surrounding tissues. This detailed approach ensures that the procedure is performed with precision, minimizing potential complications and optimizing patient outcomes.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The resection of the temporal bone via an external approach is indicated for various medical conditions that necessitate surgical intervention. These indications may include:

  • Bone Tumors The presence of benign or malignant tumors within the temporal bone that require excision to prevent further complications or to facilitate further treatment.
  • Chronic Infections Persistent infections affecting the temporal bone that do not respond to conservative treatment and may lead to further complications if not addressed surgically.
  • Trauma Damage to the temporal bone resulting from traumatic injury that necessitates surgical repair or reconstruction.
  • Congenital Anomalies Structural abnormalities of the temporal bone that may impair function or lead to other complications, requiring surgical correction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for resection of the temporal bone through an external approach involves several critical steps to ensure effective removal of the diseased tissue while preserving surrounding structures. The first step is to make a C-shaped incision that begins above the ear and extends in a wide arc around the ear and down the neck. This incision is designed to provide adequate access to the temporal bone and surrounding areas. Following the incision, a flap is elevated, which allows the surgeon to expose the temporal muscle, mastoid, and neck structures. This exposure is crucial for identifying the diseased portion of the temporal bone that needs to be excised. Once the affected area is clearly identified, the surgeon carefully removes the diseased portion of the temporal bone, ensuring that all compromised tissue is excised to prevent recurrence of the condition. After the complete removal of the diseased bone, the operative wound is repaired in layers. This layered closure is essential for promoting proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications such as infection or improper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the resection of the temporal bone is critical for ensuring optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Pain management is an important aspect of post-operative care, and patients may be prescribed analgesics to manage discomfort. Additionally, instructions regarding activity restrictions and wound care will be provided to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical site and ensure that recovery is progressing as expected. Patients may also be advised on signs and symptoms to watch for that could indicate complications, such as increased swelling, redness, or discharge from the incision site. Overall, adherence to post-procedure care guidelines is vital for a successful recovery and to achieve the best possible outcomes following the surgery.

Short Descr REMOVE PART OF TEMPORAL BONE
Medium Descr RESCJ TEMPORAL BONE EXTERNAL APPROACH
Long Descr Resection temporal bone, external approach
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 26 - Other therapeutic ear procedures
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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