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Official Description

Biopsy of stomach, by laparotomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 43605 involves a biopsy of the stomach performed through a laparotomy, which is an open surgical approach. In this procedure, a surgical incision is made in the abdominal wall to gain access to the stomach. Once the abdomen is opened, the surgeon carefully exposes the stomach and may make an incision in the stomach itself to access the mucosal layer. The primary goal of this procedure is to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. Biopsy forceps are typically utilized to collect small samples of the stomach mucosa, although in some cases, a larger wedge of tissue may be excised for further examination. After the tissue samples are collected, they are sent for pathological evaluation, which is reported separately. Following the biopsy, the abdominal incision is meticulously closed in layers to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions, including cancers, infections, and inflammatory diseases of the stomach.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The biopsy of the stomach by laparotomy, as indicated by CPT® Code 43605, is performed for several specific reasons. These indications may include:

  • Suspicion of Gastric Cancer The procedure is often indicated when there is a clinical suspicion of malignancy in the stomach, allowing for histological examination of the tissue.
  • Chronic Gastritis In cases of chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and assess the extent of the disease.
  • Peptic Ulcers Biopsies may be performed to evaluate the nature of peptic ulcers, particularly if there are concerns about potential malignancy or complications.
  • Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms When patients present with unexplained symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or weight loss, a biopsy can help identify any underlying pathological conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a biopsy of the stomach by laparotomy involves several critical steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and immobility during the surgical procedure.
  • Step 2: Abdominal Incision A midline incision is made in the abdominal wall, allowing the surgeon to access the abdominal cavity and the stomach. The incision is typically made large enough to provide adequate visibility and access.
  • Step 3: Exposure of the Stomach Once the abdomen is opened, the surgeon carefully manipulates surrounding organs and tissues to expose the stomach fully. This may involve retracting the liver or other structures to gain a clear view.
  • Step 4: Incision in the Stomach The surgeon then makes an incision in the stomach wall, allowing access to the mucosal layer where the biopsy will be taken. This step is crucial for obtaining the necessary tissue samples.
  • Step 5: Tissue Sample Collection Using biopsy forceps, the surgeon collects small samples of the stomach mucosa. In some cases, a larger wedge of tissue may be excised if deemed necessary for diagnostic purposes.
  • Step 6: Closure of the Stomach After the tissue samples are obtained, the incision in the stomach is closed, typically using sutures or staples to ensure proper healing.
  • Step 7: Closure of the Abdominal Incision Finally, the abdominal incision is closed in layers, ensuring that all tissues are properly aligned and secured to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the biopsy procedure is completed, the patient is monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Post-procedure care may include pain management, monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or bleeding, and ensuring the patient is stable before discharge. Patients are typically advised to follow specific dietary restrictions and activity limitations during the initial recovery period. Additionally, the tissue samples collected during the procedure are sent for pathological evaluation, and results are usually communicated to the patient and their healthcare provider in a timely manner to guide further management and treatment decisions.

Short Descr BIOPSY OF STOMACH
Medium Descr BIOPSY STOMACH LAPAROTOMY
Long Descr Biopsy of stomach, by laparotomy
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 89 - Exploratory laparotomy
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, 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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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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2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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