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Official Description

Revision of colostomy; complicated (reconstruction in-depth) (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 44345 refers to the procedure known as the revision of a colostomy, specifically categorized as a complicated revision. This procedure is necessary when complications arise with the colostomy, which is an opening created in the abdominal wall for the discharge of waste from the colon. Complications that may necessitate this revision include constriction or obstruction of the stoma, 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, necrosis of the bowel tissue, or the development of a parastomal hernia. In contrast to a simple revision, which may involve superficial adjustments such as the release of scar tissue, a complicated revision involves more extensive surgical intervention. This may include the excision of necrotic bowel tissue and the reconstruction or relocation of the stoma. The procedure typically requires a midline incision in the abdomen to allow for thorough inspection and mobilization of the affected bowel segment. The surgical approach is designed to address the underlying issues effectively, ensuring the proper functioning of the colostomy and improving the patient's quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The revision of a colostomy, as described by CPT® Code 44345, is indicated in several specific situations where complications have arisen. These indications include:

  • Stoma Constriction or Obstruction - When the stoma becomes narrowed or blocked, preventing the passage of waste.
  • Intestinal Prolapse - Occurs when a segment of the intestine protrudes through the stoma, which can lead to discomfort and complications.
  • Stoma Retraction - This happens when the intestine retracts, causing the stoma to sink below the skin level, which may complicate waste elimination.
  • Detachment of the Intestine - If the intestine becomes detached from the skin, it may require surgical intervention to reattach and secure it properly.
  • Necrosis - The presence of necrotic (dead) bowel tissue necessitates excision to prevent further complications and promote healing.
  • Parastomal Hernia - The development of a hernia around the stoma can lead to additional complications, requiring surgical repair.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a complicated colostomy revision involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Midline Incision - The surgeon begins by making a midline incision in the abdomen to gain access to the internal structures. This allows for a comprehensive inspection of the abdominal cavity and the stoma.
  • Step 2: Lysis of Adhesions - Once the abdomen is opened, any adhesions (bands of scar tissue) that may be present are carefully lysed (cut) to free the exteriorized segment of bowel, facilitating further surgical manipulation.
  • Step 3: Mobilization of Bowel Segment - The exteriorized segment of bowel is mobilized to allow for better access and evaluation of the stoma and surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: Excision of Necrotic Bowel - If necrotic bowel is identified, an incision is made around the stoma, extending through the fascia and peritoneum. The necrotic segment is excised to remove any dead tissue and prevent infection.
  • Step 5: Eversion and Suturing - The terminal end of the remaining healthy bowel segment is brought through the abdominal wall, everted (folded back on itself), and sutured securely to the skin and subcutaneous tissue to create a new stoma.
  • Step 6: Relocation of Stoma (if necessary) - If the colostomy requires relocation, the procedure is performed similarly to the steps outlined above, with a new incision made at the designated stoma site, and the stoma fashioned accordingly.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the colostomy revision, patients typically require careful monitoring and post-operative care. This includes managing any pain, monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site, and ensuring proper function of the newly created stoma. Patients may also receive instructions on stoma care and dietary modifications to promote healing and prevent complications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the recovery process and address any concerns that may arise during the healing period.

Short Descr REVISION OF COLOSTOMY
Medium Descr REVJ COLOSTOMY COMP RCNSTJ IN-DEPTH SPX
Long Descr Revision of colostomy; complicated (reconstruction in-depth) (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) 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 72 - Colostomy, temporary and permanent
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).
57 Decision for surgery: an evaluation and management service that resulted in the initial decision to perform the surgery may be identified by adding modifier 57 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
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.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
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)
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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