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Official Description

Repair of ectropion; extensive (eg, tarsal strip operations)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An ectropion is a medical condition characterized by the outward turning of the eyelid margin, which results in the lid being everted away from the eyeball. This condition primarily affects the lower eyelid and can lead to several complications, including exposure of the cornea, excessive tearing, alterations in the palpebral conjunctiva, and potential vision loss. The repair of ectropion, particularly extensive cases, is addressed through surgical procedures such as the tarsal strip operation. During this procedure, local anesthesia is typically administered, often supplemented with a nerve block to enhance patient comfort. A corneal shield is placed to protect the eye during the surgery. The surgical approach may vary based on the specific site and severity of the ectropion. In cases classified under CPT® Code 67917, an extensive repair is performed, which may involve techniques such as the lateral tarsal strip procedure. This procedure entails incising the lateral canthus, mobilizing the lower lid, and excising any excess skin if necessary. The surgical technique is designed to restore the normal position of the eyelid, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications associated with ectropion.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure for the repair of ectropion is indicated for patients presenting with the following conditions:

  • Ectropion A condition where the eyelid margin is turned outward, leading to exposure of the cornea.
  • Excessive tearing Resulting from the improper positioning of the eyelid, which can cause discomfort and irritation.
  • Changes in the palpebral conjunctiva Such as inflammation or irritation due to exposure.
  • Potential vision loss Associated with prolonged exposure of the cornea and subsequent damage.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the extensive repair of ectropion, specifically under CPT® Code 67917, involves several detailed steps:

  • Incision at the lateral canthus The surgical process begins with an incision made at the lateral canthus, which is the outer corner of the eye. This incision allows access to the underlying structures of the eyelid.
  • Mobilization of the lower lid Following the incision, the lower eyelid is carefully mobilized to facilitate the surgical repair. This step is crucial for ensuring that the eyelid can be repositioned correctly.
  • Excision of excess skin If there is any excess skin present, it is excised during the procedure. This helps to reduce any redundant tissue that may contribute to the ectropion.
  • Splitting of the lid margin The lid margin is then split to allow for further surgical manipulation. This step is essential for addressing the underlying tarsal plate and ensuring proper alignment.
  • Trimming of meibomian orifices The meibomian orifices located on the lateral strip are trimmed off to prevent complications such as epithelial inclusion cysts.
  • Inspection and scraping of the lateral conjunctiva The lateral conjunctiva is inspected and scraped to remove any abnormal tissue and to minimize the risk of cyst formation.
  • Suturing the lateral strip of tarsus The lateral strip of tarsus is then sutured to the periosteum of the lateral orbital rim, specifically near Whitnall's tubercle. This anchoring is critical for restoring the normal position of the eyelid.
  • Closure of the surgical wound Finally, the surgical wound is closed in layers to ensure proper healing and to minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

After the extensive repair of ectropion, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is important to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to ensure that the eyelid is positioned correctly. Patients should be advised on proper eye care, including the use of lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness and irritation during the recovery period. Additionally, any activity that may strain the eyes or eyelids should be limited as directed by the healthcare provider.

Short Descr REPAIR EYELID DEFECT
Medium Descr REPAIR ECTROPION EXTENSIVE
Long Descr Repair of ectropion; extensive (eg, tarsal strip operations)
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) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea
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).
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).
E2 Lower left, eyelid
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
E4 Lower right, eyelid
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
E3 Upper right, eyelid
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
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.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E1 Upper left, eyelid
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
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2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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