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Code deleted, to report see 43327, 43328

Official Description

Esophagogastric fundoplasty (eg, Nissen, Belsey IV, Hill procedures)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An esophagogastric fundoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting issues related to the esophagus and stomach, particularly in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hiatal hernias. This procedure involves the manipulation of the stomach's fundus, which is the uppermost part of the stomach, to create a wrap around the esophagus. The primary goal of this surgery is to enhance the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. There are three commonly utilized techniques for performing this procedure: the Nissen fundoplication, the Belsey IV fundoplication, and the Hill gastropexy. Each technique has its specific approach and method of wrapping the stomach around the esophagus, which can vary in the degree of wrap and the surgical approach used (abdominal or thoracic). The Nissen fundoplication involves a complete 360-degree wrap, while the Belsey IV procedure creates a partial 270-degree wrap, and the Hill procedure focuses on anchoring the stomach to the diaphragm to prevent displacement. Understanding these techniques is crucial for medical coders and billers, as they must accurately code the specific procedure performed based on the surgical approach and technique utilized.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The esophagogastric fundoplasty is indicated for patients experiencing conditions that necessitate surgical intervention to prevent gastroesophageal reflux or to repair hiatal hernias. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Patients suffering from chronic GERD that is unresponsive to medical management may require surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
  • Hiatal Hernia The presence of a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, can lead to reflux and may necessitate surgical repair.
  • Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus due to acid reflux may warrant surgical correction to prevent further damage and promote healing.
  • Barrett's Esophagus Patients with Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can arise from chronic GERD, may be candidates for fundoplasty to reduce reflux and the risk of esophageal cancer.

2. Procedure

The esophagogastric fundoplasty procedure involves several detailed steps, which vary slightly depending on the specific technique employed. Below are the procedural steps for each technique:

  • Nissen Fundoplication In this technique, a midline incision is made in the abdomen to access the stomach and esophagus. The liver is retracted to expose the esophageal hiatus, and the esophageal fat pad is retracted inferiorly to reveal the gastrohepatic ligament and phrenoesophageal membrane. The gastrohepatic ligament is incised, allowing for exposure of the right crus of the diaphragm. Dissection continues anteriorly to expose the left crus, creating a window behind the esophagus. The hiatal hernia is repaired by closing the hiatus. The short gastric vessels are identified and divided, and the spleen is dissected off the stomach. The fundus of the stomach is then fully mobilized, pulled behind the esophagus, and wrapped around the front, where it is sutured to the other side of the fundus and anchored to the esophageal muscle layer, completing the 360-degree wrap.
  • Belsey IV Fundoplication This procedure is performed via a thoracic approach. An incision is made through the chest just above the diaphragm, allowing access to the stomach, which is mobilized and pulled into the chest cavity. A window is created behind the esophagus, and the fundus is partially wrapped around the esophagus to create a 270-degree wrap. The fundus is then sutured to the esophageal muscle layer, and the stomach is returned to the abdomen, followed by the repair of the hiatal hernia.
  • Hill Procedure In this technique, the stomach is anchored to the diaphragm to prevent herniation. Sutures are placed in both the right and left crura of the diaphragm to narrow the hiatus, providing additional support to the esophagus and preventing displacement.

3. Post-Procedure

After the esophagogastric fundoplasty, patients typically require monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. Post-operative care may include pain management, dietary modifications, and gradual reintroduction of solid foods. Patients are often advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and ensure the effectiveness of the procedure in alleviating symptoms related to GERD or hiatal hernias.

Short Descr REVISE ESOPHAGUS & STOMACH
Medium Descr ESOPG/GSTR FUNDOPLASTY
Long Descr Esophagogastric fundoplasty (eg, Nissen, Belsey IV, Hill procedures)
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) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 94 - Other OR upper GI therapeutic procedures
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2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, to report see 43327, 43328
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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