52015 - Subcutaneous Foreign Body Removal

The need for removal of a subcutaneous foreign body requiring incision and suture arises when objects penetrate beneath the skin into the subcutaneous layer of the oral and maxillofacial region, necessitating surgical extraction to prevent infection, pain, or migration. Unlike superficial bodies, these—such as metal fragments, teeth, or debris from trauma—require an incision to access and sutures to close, performed under anesthesia for precision and comfort. This procedure is critical when the object’s depth or location risks complications beyond simple probing, common in accidents or oral injuries.

Specific reasons include:

• Traumatic penetration: A glass shard in the cheek from a car accident may sit in fat, risking abscess or nerve irritation without removal.
• Oral incidents: A broken tooth fragment lodged under the gum from a fall can cause swelling or bone erosion if not extracted.
• Chronic irritation: Subcutaneous objects can form granulomas or cysts, leading to persistent pain or disfigurement needing surgical resolution.
• Infection risk: In the bacteria-rich oral cavity or sweat-prone neck, trapped foreign bodies can fester, especially in immunocompromised patients.

For example, a farmer with a metal sliver under the chin from machinery might need this to prevent a draining sinus or scarring. In hospital settings, an elderly patient with a subcutaneous foreign body from a fall could face delayed healing without intervention, given comorbidities like diabetes. The incision and suture approach ensures complete removal and proper closure, reducing the likelihood of complications and restoring tissue integrity in this sensitive region.

Surgeons removing a subcutaneous foreign body from the patient with incision and suturing under anesthesia deliver essential benefits that protect deeper tissues. A key advantage is the elimination of infection risk. Objects lodged beneath the patient’s skin can introduce bacteria, but this procedure removes them cleanly, preventing abscesses or systemic issues—crucial for surgeons researching 'subcutaneous infection prevention.' It also relieves discomfort by extracting the foreign body, easing the patient’s pain or pressure from the intrusion. Additionally, it prevents deeper complications by addressing the issue before it migrates or damages surrounding tissues like muscles or nerves. For surgeons seeking 'benefits of subcutaneous foreign body removal,' this service ensures patients experience infection control, pain relief, and tissue protection, offering a precise, effective resolution under anesthesia.

Recovery of 1-2 weeks with swelling and suture removal; minor soreness expected.