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Official Description

Colonoscopy through stoma; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) (includes pre-and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A colonoscopy through stoma is a specialized procedure that involves the examination and treatment of the colon via an existing stoma, such as a colostomy. This procedure is primarily performed to ablate, or destroy, tumors, polyps, or other lesions found within the colon. During the colonoscopy, an endoscope is introduced through the stoma, allowing the physician to inspect the mucosal surfaces of the colon from the stoma to the cecum or a small intestine anastomosis. The procedure is comprehensive, as it includes not only the identification of abnormalities but also the potential for therapeutic interventions. If any lesions are detected, the physician may utilize techniques such as dilation to facilitate access for ablation. This may involve the insertion of a guidewire and the use of rigid tubes or a balloon catheter to expand the lumen of the large intestine. The ablation process typically employs a laser device, which is carefully maneuvered through the endoscope to target and destroy the lesions. The procedure is designed to ensure thorough examination and treatment, with careful monitoring to prevent any complications or injuries to the colon during the process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The colonoscopy through stoma procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Presence of Tumors The procedure is performed when tumors are identified within the colon that require ablation to prevent further complications or progression.
  • Polyps Polyps that are detected during routine examinations or symptomatic presentations may necessitate removal through this procedure.
  • Other Lesions Any other abnormal lesions found in the colon that may pose a risk to the patient's health or require intervention are also indications for this procedure.

2. Procedure

The colonoscopy through stoma procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective examination and treatment of the colon.

  • Step 1: Introduction of the Endoscope The procedure begins with the careful introduction of the endoscope through the colostomy opening. This allows the physician to access the colon directly and inspect the mucosal surfaces from the stoma to the cecum or small intestine anastomosis.
  • Step 2: Inspection of the Colon Once the endoscope is in place, the physician thoroughly inspects the colon for any abnormalities, including tumors, polyps, or lesions. This step is crucial for identifying the specific sites that require intervention.
  • Step 3: Identification of Lesions After inspection, the physician identifies the site of the tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) that need to be ablated. This identification is essential for targeting the treatment effectively.
  • Step 4: Dilation (if necessary) If the physician determines that dilation is required to improve access to the lesions, a guidewire is inserted through the endoscope. Rigid tubes of increasing diameter may be passed over the guidewire to dilate the lumen of the large intestine. Alternatively, a balloon catheter may be advanced to the site of any stricture and inflated to facilitate access.
  • Step 5: Ablation of Lesions Following dilation, a laser device is delivered through the endoscope to the distal margin of the most distal lesion. The ablation process begins as the endoscope is retracted, destroying the lesion in a distal to proximal direction. This step is repeated until all identified lesions have been effectively ablated.
  • Step 6: Post-Ablation Dilation (if necessary) If further dilation is required after the lesions have been destroyed, this is performed again to ensure optimal access and treatment.
  • Step 7: Final Examination The procedure concludes with a final examination of the colon using the endoscope to confirm that all lesions have been destroyed and to check for any potential injuries resulting from the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the colonoscopy through stoma procedure, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications. It is essential to assess the colon for any signs of injury or adverse effects resulting from the ablation process. Patients may experience some discomfort or cramping following the procedure, which is typically managed with standard post-procedural care. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to evaluate the success of the ablation and to monitor for any recurrence of lesions. Documentation of the procedure and any findings is crucial for ongoing patient management and future reference.

Short Descr COLONOSCOPY WITH ABLATION
Medium Descr COLONOSCOPY STOMA ABLATION LESION
Long Descr Colonoscopy through stoma; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) (includes pre-and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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) 1 - Statutory 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 44388  Colonoscopy through stoma; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8D - Endoscopy - colonoscopy
MUE 1
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2015-01-01 Added Added
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