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The procedure described by CPT® Code 32151 involves a thoracotomy, which is a surgical incision into the chest wall. This procedure is specifically performed to remove an intrapulmonary foreign body, which may include various types of materials that have entered the lung, such as aspirated objects or abnormal deposits like fibrin. During the thoracotomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest wall directly over the area where the foreign body or fibrin deposit is located. Once the incision is made, the surgeon identifies the foreign body or deposit and carefully removes it from the pleural cavity, which is the space surrounding the lungs. Following the removal, the pleural cavity is irrigated to ensure that any residual material is cleared out, promoting a clean environment for healing. In some cases, the lung may need to be collapsed temporarily, and one-lung ventilation may be initiated to facilitate the identification and removal of the foreign body. After the procedure, the lung is reinflated, and one or more chest tubes may be placed to assist with drainage and to prevent complications such as pneumothorax. Finally, the incision site is closed, completing the thoracotomy procedure.
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The thoracotomy with removal of an intrapulmonary foreign body is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where a foreign object or abnormal deposit poses a risk to the patient's respiratory function or overall health. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for a thoracotomy with removal of an intrapulmonary foreign body involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective extraction of the foreign material. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the thoracotomy procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper lung function. Patients may require chest tube management to facilitate drainage and prevent fluid accumulation. The healthcare team will provide instructions for postoperative care, including activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess recovery progress. It is essential for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, difficulty breathing, or fever, to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | REMOVE LUNG FOREIGN BODY | Medium Descr | THORCOM W/RMVL IPUL FB | Long Descr | Thoracotomy; with removal of intrapulmonary foreign body | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 | 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 32674 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Thoracoscopy, surgical; with mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 38746 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Thoracic lymphadenectomy by thoracotomy, mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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). | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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) |
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| 2012-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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