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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; jejunostomy (eg, for decompression or feeding)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 44186 refers to a laparoscopic surgical technique for creating a jejunostomy, which is an opening into the jejunum, a part of the small intestine. This procedure is typically performed to facilitate decompression of the bowel or to provide a means for feeding patients who are unable to take food orally. The laparoscopic approach involves making small incisions in the abdominal wall, which minimizes trauma compared to traditional open surgery. The process begins with the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, allowing the surgeon to visualize the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope. Following this, additional incisions are made to insert trocars, which are instruments that allow for the introduction of surgical tools into the abdomen. The surgeon inspects the abdominal cavity for any adhesions, which may need to be lysed or cut away to ensure proper access to the jejunum. Once the jejunum is identified, a small incision is made on the left side of the upper abdominal wall, through which a guidewire is inserted and advanced into the jejunum under laparoscopic guidance. A jejunostomy tube is then placed over this guidewire, allowing for feeding or decompression. The tube is secured in place with internal and external devices to prevent dislodgment. This minimally invasive technique is advantageous as it typically results in reduced recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to open surgical methods.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic jejunostomy procedure (CPT® Code 44186) is indicated for specific clinical situations where access to the jejunum is necessary for therapeutic purposes. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Decompression of the Bowel - This procedure may be performed to relieve bowel obstruction or to decompress the intestines in cases of ileus.
  • Feeding Access - It is indicated for patients who are unable to consume food orally due to various medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, or severe swallowing difficulties.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic jejunostomy procedure involves several key steps that are performed with precision to ensure successful placement of the jejunostomy tube. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Establishing Access - A small portal incision is made near the umbilicus, and a trocar is inserted to create a pathway into the abdominal cavity. Pneumoperitoneum is established, which involves inflating the abdomen with gas to provide a working space for the surgeon.
  • Step 2: Insertion of Additional Trocars - Additional portal incisions are made in the upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen, and more trocars are placed to allow for the introduction of surgical instruments needed for the procedure.
  • Step 3: Inspection and Adhesion Lysis - The abdominal cavity is inspected for any adhesions that may obstruct access to the jejunum. If present, these adhesions are lysed using both blunt and sharp dissection techniques to ensure clear access to the jejunum.
  • Step 4: Placement of the Jejunostomy Tube - A small incision is made through the skin and upper abdominal wall on the left side. A guidewire is inserted through this incision and advanced into the jejunum under laparoscopic guidance. A jejunostomy tube is then advanced over the guidewire and into the jejunum.
  • Step 5: Securing the Tube - Once the tube is in place, the guidewire is removed. The jejunostomy tube is secured internally with a bumper or balloon and externally with a bumper, flange, or other securing device to prevent dislodgment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laparoscopic jejunostomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include managing the insertion site to prevent infection and ensuring the proper functioning of the jejunostomy tube. Patients may be advised on dietary modifications and how to care for the tube. Recovery time can vary, but the minimally invasive nature of the procedure generally allows for a quicker return to normal activities compared to open surgical methods. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the site and the patient's nutritional needs.

Short Descr LAP JEJUNOSTOMY
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY SURGICAL JEJUNOSTOMY
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; jejunostomy (eg, for decompression or feeding)
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 73 - Ileostomy and other enterostomy

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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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).
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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