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Official Description

Duodenotomy, for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A duodenotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine, to allow for exploration, biopsy, or removal of foreign bodies. This procedure is typically indicated when there is a need to investigate abnormalities within the duodenum, obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes, or extract any foreign objects that may be obstructing the intestinal tract. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the duodenum, which is then carefully exposed. The specific segment of the duodenum that requires examination is removed from the abdominal cavity and placed on the operating table for further assessment. To facilitate the exploration, pressure is applied to the duodenal segment to express any intestinal contents, allowing for a clearer view of the internal structures. The intestine is clamped both distal and proximal to the site of the incision to prevent the flow of intestinal contents during the procedure. An incision is then made in the duodenum itself, enabling the surgeon to explore the internal lumen for any abnormalities, collect tissue samples for pathological examination, or remove any foreign bodies present. After the necessary interventions are completed, the duodenal incision is closed, the clamps are removed, and the duodenal segment is returned to its original position within the abdomen before the abdominal incision is finally closed. This procedure is critical for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal conditions effectively.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The duodenotomy procedure is indicated for several specific conditions and situations that necessitate direct access to the duodenum. These include:

  • Exploration of Abnormalities - When there are suspected abnormalities within the duodenum that require direct visualization and assessment.
  • Biopsy - To obtain tissue samples from the duodenum for pathological examination, particularly when there is a suspicion of malignancy or other diseases affecting the intestinal lining.
  • Foreign Body Removal - In cases where a foreign object has been ingested and is causing obstruction or other complications within the duodenum.

2. Procedure

The duodenotomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective exploration and intervention. These steps include:

  • Incision in the Abdomen - The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the abdominal wall to gain access to the abdominal cavity. This incision is typically made in a location that allows optimal access to the duodenum.
  • Exposure of the Duodenum - Once the abdominal cavity is accessed, the duodenum is carefully exposed. This may involve mobilizing surrounding structures to provide a clear view of the duodenum.
  • Removal of Duodenal Segment - The specific segment of the duodenum that requires examination is then removed from the abdominal cavity and placed on the operating table. This allows the surgeon to work on the duodenum outside of the body.
  • Expression of Intestinal Contents - To facilitate exploration, pressure is applied to the duodenal segment to express any intestinal contents. This step helps to clear the area for better visualization of the internal structures.
  • Clamping the Intestine - The intestine is clamped both distal and proximal to the operative site. This is done to prevent the flow of intestinal contents during the procedure, ensuring a clean working environment.
  • Incision in the Duodenum - An incision is made in the duodenum itself, allowing the surgeon to explore the internal lumen. This step is crucial for identifying any abnormalities or for accessing tissue for biopsy.
  • Tissue Sampling - If necessary, tissue samples are taken from the duodenum and sent to the laboratory for pathological examination. This is an important step for diagnosing any underlying conditions.
  • Foreign Body Removal - If a foreign body is identified during the exploration, it is carefully removed to alleviate any obstruction or complications it may be causing.
  • Closure of the Duodenal Incision - After the necessary procedures are completed, the incision made in the duodenum is closed securely to restore the integrity of the intestinal wall.
  • Removal of Clamps - The distal and proximal clamps are then removed, allowing the normal flow of intestinal contents to resume.
  • Return of Duodenal Segment - The duodenal segment is returned to its original position within the abdominal cavity, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the surrounding structures.
  • Closure of the Abdominal Incision - Finally, the abdominal incision is closed using appropriate suturing techniques to promote healing and restore the abdominal wall.

3. Post-Procedure

After the duodenotomy procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any complications that may arise. Post-procedure care includes managing pain, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper recovery of gastrointestinal function. Patients may be advised on dietary restrictions and gradual reintroduction of food as tolerated. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to review any biopsy results if tissue samples were taken during the procedure. It is important for healthcare providers to provide clear instructions regarding activity levels and any signs or symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention.

Short Descr INCISION OF SMALL BOWEL
Medium Descr DUODENOTOMY EXPLORATION/BX/FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL
Long Descr Duodenotomy, for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal
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 92 - Other bowel diagnostic procedures

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

96547 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; first 60 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
96548 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; each additional 30 minutes (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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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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