Excision, tumor, soft tissue of thigh or knee area, subfascial (eg, intramuscular); less than 5 cm
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Excision of Tumor, Soft Tissue of Thigh or Knee Area, Subfascial (e.g., Intramuscular); Less Than 5 cm
Summary
This surgical procedure involves removing a small tumor, less than 5 cm in size, from the soft tissues beneath the fascia (a layer of connective tissue) in the thigh or knee area. It is performed by a surgeon in a controlled environment.
Purpose
The procedure aims to remove benign or malignant tumors from the soft tissues of the thigh or knee to prevent the tumor from spreading, reduce pain, or improve function.
Indications
- Presence of a palpable lump or mass in the thigh or knee area.
- Pain or discomfort caused by the tumor.
- Imaging studies showing an abnormal growth.
- Biopsy results indicating the need for excision.
- Limited range of motion or functional impairment of the leg due to the tumor's presence.
Preparation
- Fasting for at least 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
- Medication adjustments as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Preoperative imaging (MRI, CT scan) and blood tests may be required.
Procedure Description
- The patient is positioned appropriately and given regional or general anesthesia.
- The surgical area is sterilized, and an incision is made over the site of the tumor.
- The surgeon carefully locates the tumor using palpation and imaging guidance.
- The tumor is excised along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- The area is irrigated to ensure all tumor cells are removed.
- The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
- A sterile dressing is applied over the incision site.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the tumor's size and location.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
Personnel
- Surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgical nurses
- Surgical technician
Risks and Complications
- Infection at the surgical site
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Recurrence of the tumor
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Benefits
- Removal of the tumor reduces the risk of spread.
- Pain relief and improved leg function.
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities.
Recovery
- Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours to recover from anesthesia.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
- Follow prescribed pain management and antibiotic regimen.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for recurrence.
Alternatives
- Non-surgical management (e.g., observation, biopsy).
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy (depending on the tumor type).
- Less invasive procedures if the tumor size and location allow.
Patient Experience
- Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure.
- Postoperative pain and swelling can be managed with medication.
- The patient might experience some discomfort during the initial recovery period.
- Gradual improvement in mobility and comfort is expected within a few weeks.
Feel free to ask if you need any more details or adjustments to this description!