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Official Description

Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with control of bleeding, any method

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Esophagoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the use of a flexible endoscope to visualize the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This procedure is specifically performed to control bleeding within the esophagus, utilizing various methods such as injection, cautery, laser, heater probe, stapler, plasma coagulator, or other techniques. The flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth and carefully advanced into the esophagus, allowing for a thorough examination of the velopharyngeal closure, the base of the tongue, and the hypopharynx. During the procedure, the motion of the vocal cords is observed, and the musculature of the pharynx is evaluated to ensure proper function. As the endoscope reaches the cricopharyngeus, the patient may be instructed to burp or swallow, which aids in the smooth passage of the scope through the esophagus to the gastroesophageal junction. Any abnormalities encountered during this process are meticulously noted. Once the scope is withdrawn, a comprehensive examination of the entire circumference of the esophagus is conducted to identify the specific site of bleeding. The control of bleeding is typically achieved through the application of heat via contact thermal modalities, such as bipolar or unipolar cautery or a heater probe, which are applied directly to the bleeding point while pressure is maintained. Additionally, an injection of epinephrine may be utilized to act as a vasoconstrictor, helping to reduce or halt the bleeding. Noncontact devices, such as YAG (Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet) laser coagulation and the argon plasma coagulator, are also employed to effectively coagulate the bleeding site. In cases of tears or lacerations, staples or hemoclips may be used to approximate the margins, facilitating proper healing and control of the bleeding.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of esophagoscopy with control of bleeding is indicated for various conditions that may lead to bleeding within the esophagus. These include:

  • Esophageal Injury - Trauma or injury to the esophagus that results in bleeding.
  • Mallory-Weiss Syndrome - A condition characterized by tears in the esophagus due to severe vomiting or retching, leading to bleeding.
  • Esophageal Varices - Enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause significant bleeding, often associated with liver disease.
  • Malignancies - Tumors in the esophagus that may cause bleeding.

2. Procedure

The esophagoscopy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective visualization and control of bleeding:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and sedation may be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. The throat may be numbed to minimize discomfort as the endoscope is introduced.
  • Step 2: Introduction of the Endoscope - The flexible endoscope is carefully inserted through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus. The physician monitors the passage of the scope to avoid any injury to the surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Examination of the Esophagus - As the endoscope is advanced, the physician examines the velopharyngeal closure, the base of the tongue, and the hypopharynx. Vocal cord motion is assessed, and the pharyngeal musculature is evaluated for any abnormalities.
  • Step 4: Navigating the Esophagus - Upon reaching the cricopharyngeus, the patient may be asked to burp or swallow to facilitate the passage of the endoscope. The scope is then advanced through the entire length of the esophagus to the gastroesophageal junction.
  • Step 5: Identification of Abnormalities - Any abnormalities, including the site of bleeding, are noted during the examination. The physician carefully inspects the entire circumference of the esophagus.
  • Step 6: Control of Bleeding - Once the bleeding site is identified, various methods are employed to control the bleeding. This may include the application of a cautery device or heater probe directly to the bleeding point, applying heat and pressure to achieve hemostasis. Additionally, an injection of epinephrine may be administered to constrict blood vessels and assist in controlling the bleeding.
  • Step 7: Use of Noncontact Devices - If necessary, noncontact modalities such as YAG laser coagulation or argon plasma coagulation may be utilized to coagulate the bleeding site effectively.
  • Step 8: Closure of Lacerations - In cases where there are tears or lacerations, staples or hemoclips may be applied to approximate the margins and promote healing.
  • Step 9: Withdrawal of the Endoscope - After the procedure is completed, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn, and the physician ensures that all necessary interventions have been performed.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the esophagoscopy with control of bleeding, patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as further bleeding or infection. Recovery may involve observation in a medical facility until the effects of sedation wear off. Patients may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period to allow the esophagus to heal. Follow-up care may include additional imaging or endoscopic procedures if necessary, and patients should be instructed to report any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain or difficulty swallowing, to their healthcare provider.

Short Descr ESOPHAGOSCOPY CONTROL BLEED
Medium Descr ESOPHAGOSCOPY FLEXIBLE W/BLEEDING CONTROL
Long Descr Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with control of bleeding, any method
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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) 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 43200  Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate 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) P8B - Endoscopy - upper gastrointestinal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 93 - Other non-OR upper GI therapeutic procedures
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).
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.
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.)
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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