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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, antrum

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, antrum, refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at addressing issues related to previously implanted gastric neurostimulator electrodes. This procedure is specifically indicated for patients who have undergone prior implantation of these electrodes, which are used to treat medically refractory gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying that can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The gastric neurostimulator, often referred to as a gastric pacemaker, functions by delivering continuous high-frequency, low-energy electrical stimulation to the nerves of the lower stomach, promoting contractions that facilitate gastric emptying. The revision or removal of these electrodes may be necessary due to complications, device malfunction, or the need for repositioning. It is important to note that this code is distinct from the initial implantation or replacement of the electrodes, which is designated by CPT® Code 43647. The laparoscopic approach allows for reduced recovery time and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery, making it a preferred method for such interventions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure for laparoscopic revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes is indicated for patients experiencing complications or issues related to previously implanted electrodes. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Device Malfunction - Instances where the gastric neurostimulator is not functioning as intended, leading to inadequate symptom relief.
  • Electrode Displacement - Situations where the electrodes have moved from their original position, potentially causing ineffective stimulation or discomfort.
  • Infection - Cases where infection occurs at the site of the electrodes or the neurostimulator, necessitating removal to prevent further complications.
  • Patient Symptoms - Continued severe symptoms of gastroparesis, such as persistent nausea and vomiting, despite the presence of the neurostimulator, indicating a need for revision or removal.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic procedure for the revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes involves several key steps to ensure a safe and effective outcome. The process begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and immobility during the surgery.

  • Step 1: Preparation The surgical team prepares the patient by positioning them appropriately on the operating table and applying antiseptic solutions to the abdominal area to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Accessing the Abdomen Small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, typically in the upper abdomen, to allow for the insertion of a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. The laparoscope, equipped with a camera, provides visualization of the surgical field on a monitor.
  • Step 3: Identifying the Electrodes The surgeon carefully navigates the laparoscope to locate the gastric neurostimulator electrodes within the antrum of the stomach. This step requires precision to avoid damaging surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: Revision or Removal Depending on the indication, the surgeon may either revise the positioning of the electrodes or remove them entirely. If removal is necessary, the electrodes are carefully detached from the stomach wall and extracted through the incisions.
  • Step 5: Closure After the revision or removal is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures or surgical adhesive, and the surgical team ensures that the area is clean and free of any foreign materials.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the laparoscopic revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Post-procedure care may include pain management, instructions for wound care, and dietary modifications as the stomach heals. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and determine if further interventions are necessary. Any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision sites, should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.

Short Descr LAP REVISE/REMV ELTRD ANTRUM
Medium Descr LAPS REVISION/RMVL GASTRIC NSTIM ELTRD ANTRUM
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; revision or removal of gastric neurostimulator electrodes, antrum
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 94 - Other OR upper GI therapeutic procedures

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
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.)
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).
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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