2025 CPT code 11771
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Excision of pilonidal cyst or sinus; extensive.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by documentation of a symptomatic pilonidal cyst that is extensive, infected, recurrent, or causing significant discomfort to the patient. Conservative treatments may have been attempted without success.
The physician performs the surgical excision, including prepping the patient, administering anesthesia, making the incision, draining the cyst, removing hair and debris, cleansing the wound, excising the affected tissue, suturing, and applying a dressing.
In simple words: The doctor removes a pilonidal cyst, a growth near the tailbone, that has spread into deeper tissues. This is a more complex removal than a simple pilonidal cyst excision.
This procedure involves the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that is extensive, requiring deeper subcutaneous dissection.The procedure typically includes draining any pus, removing hair and debris, cleansing the wound, and excising the cyst, infected margins, and underlying fascia. The wound is then sutured, possibly with a drain placed, and dressed. This code is used when the cyst is large or has spread into the subcutaneous tissue.
Example 1: A patient presents with a large, infected pilonidal cyst that has extended into the subcutaneous tissue. The physician performs an extensive excision of the cyst, requiring dissection into deeper tissues., A patient has a recurring pilonidal cyst that is now larger and more deeply rooted than previous occurrences.The physician performs an extensive excision, removing the cyst and surrounding infected subcutaneous tissue., A patient has a pilonidal cyst with multiple sinus tracts extending into the subcutaneous tissue. The physician performs an extensive excision to remove all affected tissue and tracts.
Documentation should clearly indicate the size and extent of the cyst, the depth of the dissection, the involvement of subcutaneous tissue, and any complications encountered. Operative reports should detail the procedure performed, including the extent of the excision, closure method, and any drains placed.
- Specialties:General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital (for complex cases)