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Code deleted, see 43275 43276

Official Description

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); with endoscopic retrograde removal of foreign body and/or change of tube or stent

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the biliary and pancreatic ducts. This procedure is particularly significant when there is a need to remove foreign bodies or to change tubes or stents that have been previously placed in these ducts. During ERCP, a flexible endoscope is introduced through the esophagus, traversing the stomach, and reaching the duodenum, specifically targeting the area where the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct converge, known as the Ampulla of Vater. This anatomical landmark is crucial for accessing the ducts. Once the endoscope is in position, a smaller catheter is inserted through the endoscope to cannulate the Ampulla of Vater, allowing for the injection of contrast dye into the ducts. This contrast dye is essential for visualizing the biliary tract, gallbladder, and pancreas via x-ray imaging, which is performed immediately after the dye is injected. If a foreign body is present, the catheter is carefully advanced over a guidewire to the location of the obstruction or the previously placed tube or stent. To facilitate the removal of the foreign body or to replace the existing tube or stent, a basket extraction device is utilized, which captures the target object for extraction. This procedure not only aids in the removal of obstructions but also allows for the placement of new tubes or stents as necessary, ensuring the continued patency of the biliary and pancreatic ducts.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic retrograde removal of foreign body and/or change of tube or stent is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios. These indications include:

  • Foreign Body Obstruction The presence of a foreign body within the biliary or pancreatic duct that requires removal to restore normal function.
  • Stent Dysfunction Situations where a previously placed biliary or pancreatic duct stent is obstructed or malfunctioning, necessitating replacement or adjustment.
  • Biliary Tract Disorders Conditions such as choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones) or strictures that may impede the flow of bile and require intervention.
  • Pancreatic Duct Issues Problems within the pancreatic duct that may lead to complications such as pancreatitis or ductal obstruction.

2. Procedure

The procedure of ERCP with endoscopic retrograde removal of foreign body and/or change of tube or stent involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and sedation is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Monitoring of vital signs is established to ensure patient safety throughout the process.
  • Step 2: Endoscope Insertion A flexible endoscope is carefully inserted through the patient's mouth, advancing through the esophagus and stomach, and into the duodenum. This step is crucial for reaching the Ampulla of Vater, where the ducts can be accessed.
  • Step 3: Cannulation of the Ampulla of Vater Once the endoscope is in place, a smaller catheter is introduced through the endoscope. The Ampulla of Vater is cannulated, allowing for the injection of contrast dye into the biliary and pancreatic ducts.
  • Step 4: Contrast Injection and Imaging Contrast dye is injected, and x-ray images are taken to visualize the anatomy of the biliary tract, gallbladder, and pancreas. This imaging is essential for identifying any obstructions or abnormalities.
  • Step 5: Guidewire Advancement A guidewire is advanced through the catheter into the bile or pancreatic duct, directing it to the site of the foreign body or the previously placed tube or stent.
  • Step 6: Foreign Body Removal or Tube/Stent Change A basket extraction device is advanced to the location of the foreign body, capturing it for removal. If necessary, a new tube or stent is inserted to replace the old one, ensuring continued ductal patency.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the ERCP procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area to ensure stability and to manage any potential complications. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort or mild sedation effects, which typically resolve within a few hours. Follow-up care may include instructions regarding diet, activity level, and signs of complications such as fever or abdominal pain. The healthcare provider may also schedule follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and the need for any additional interventions.

Short Descr ENDO CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPH
Medium Descr ERCP W/RTRGR RMVL FB&/CHNG TUBE/STENT
Long Descr Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); with endoscopic retrograde removal of foreign body and/or change of tube or stent
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 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 43260  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8B - Endoscopy - upper gastrointestinal
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 82 - Endoscopic retrograde cannulation of pancreas (ERCP)
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Notes
2014-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 43275 43276
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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