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Official Description

Revision of ileostomy; simple (release of superficial scar) (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 44312 refers to the procedure known as the revision of an ileostomy, specifically categorized as a simple revision involving the release of superficial scar tissue. An ileostomy is a surgical opening created in the abdominal wall to allow the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine, to bypass the colon and exit the body. This procedure may become necessary due to various complications that can arise with the stoma, such as constriction or obstruction, prolapse of the intestine through the stoma, retraction of the intestine causing the stoma to sink below the skin level, detachment of the intestine from the skin, or necrosis of the tissue surrounding the stoma. In the context of CPT® Code 44312, the simple revision focuses on addressing superficial scar tissue that may be causing issues with the stoma's function. The procedure involves making a skin incision around the entire circumference of the ileostomy, allowing for local release of any scar tissue or adhesions that may be present. This careful approach aims to restore the proper function of the stoma while minimizing complications and promoting healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 44312 is indicated for several specific conditions that may affect the functionality of an ileostomy. These indications include:

  • Stoma Constriction or Obstruction - This occurs when the stoma becomes narrowed, preventing the normal passage of intestinal contents.
  • Intestinal Prolapse - This condition arises when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the stoma, which can lead to complications and discomfort.
  • Stoma Retraction - This happens when the intestine retracts, causing the stoma to sink below the level of the skin, which can complicate hygiene and appliance fitting.
  • Detachment of the Intestine - In some cases, the ileum may detach from the skin, necessitating surgical intervention to re-establish the connection.
  • Necrosis - The presence of necrotic tissue around the stoma requires revision to prevent further complications and to restore proper function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 44312 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective revision of the ileostomy. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Skin Incision - A skin incision is made around the entire circumference of the ileostomy. This incision allows access to the underlying tissue and the stoma itself.
  • Step 2: Release of Scar Tissue - Local release of any scar tissue or adhesions surrounding the stoma is performed. This step is crucial to alleviate any constriction that may be affecting the stoma's function.
  • Step 3: Dissection - If necessary, dissection may continue deeper through the fascia and peritoneum to address any underlying issues. This may involve further exploration of the stoma and surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: Resection of the Ileum - The distal tip of the ileum may be resected if indicated. This is done by elevating the ileum above the abdominal wall for a length of 3 to 5 cm, allowing for a clear view and access to the affected area.
  • Step 5: Placement of Retention Sutures - Retention sutures are placed in the fascia to secure the ileum in position after resection.
  • Step 6: Eversion and Suturing - The ileum is then everted and sutured to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, effectively re-establishing the stoma.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 44312, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or issues with the stoma. Proper care of the stoma site is crucial, including keeping the area clean and dry. Patients may also receive instructions on how to manage their ileostomy appliance and recognize any signs of complications that may require further medical attention. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to assess the healing process and ensure that the stoma is functioning correctly.

Short Descr REVISION OF ILEOSTOMY
Medium Descr REVJ ILEOSTOMY SIMPLE RLS SUPERFICIAL SCAR SPX
Long Descr Revision of ileostomy; simple (release of superficial scar) (separate procedure)
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 73 - Ileostomy and other enterostomy
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).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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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