Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Colonoscopy through stoma; with transendoscopic balloon dilation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A colonoscopy through stoma with transendoscopic balloon dilation is a specialized procedure that involves the examination and treatment of the colon via an existing stoma, such as a colostomy. During this procedure, a flexible tube known as an endoscope is inserted through the stoma to visualize the mucosal surfaces of the colon, extending from the stoma to the cecum or a small intestine anastomosis. The primary goal is to inspect for any abnormalities, such as strictures or lesions, that may be present in the colon. Once the endoscope is in place, the physician carefully examines the entire circumference of the colon, noting any irregularities. If a narrowed area, or stricture, is identified, a balloon dilation technique is employed to widen this constricted segment. This involves advancing a deflated balloon catheter through the endoscope's instrument channel to the site of the stricture. The balloon is then inflated to a predetermined pressure, which is monitored using a pressure gauge, to ensure optimal dilation. The balloon remains inflated for a brief period, typically between 30 seconds to 2 minutes, before being deflated and removed. After the dilation process, the physician re-inspects the area to confirm the success of the dilation and to check for any potential injuries to the colon, ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The colonoscopy through stoma with transendoscopic balloon dilation is indicated for various conditions that may affect the colon, particularly those that lead to strictures or narrowing of the bowel. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Strictures Narrowing of the colon that may result from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, previous surgeries, or radiation therapy.
  • Obstructions Partial or complete blockage of the colon that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
  • Surveillance Monitoring of known strictures or lesions to assess for changes in size or characteristics that may indicate malignancy or other complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a colonoscopy through stoma with transendoscopic balloon dilation involves several key steps that ensure thorough examination and treatment of the colon. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and sedation may be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. The stoma site is prepared and cleaned to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Introduction of the Endoscope The endoscope is carefully inserted through the colostomy opening. The physician navigates the endoscope through the stoma, allowing for visualization of the mucosal surfaces of the colon from the stoma to the cecum or small intestine anastomosis.
  • Step 3: Inspection The physician inspects the entire circumference of the colon, noting any abnormalities such as polyps, lesions, or strictures. This thorough examination is crucial for identifying areas that may require further intervention.
  • Step 4: Identification of Stricture If a narrowed area is detected, the physician identifies the specific location of the stricture for dilation. This step is critical to ensure that the balloon dilation is performed accurately.
  • Step 5: Balloon Dilation A deflated balloon catheter is advanced through the instrument channel of the endoscope to the middle of the identified stricture. The balloon is then inflated to the optimal pressure, as determined by a pressure gauge, to widen the narrowed area.
  • Step 6: Monitoring and Duration The balloon remains inflated for a short period, typically between 30 seconds to 2 minutes, allowing for effective dilation of the stricture. The physician monitors the pressure to ensure safety during this process.
  • Step 7: Deflation and Removal After the designated time, the balloon is deflated and carefully removed from the colon. This step is performed with caution to avoid any potential injury to the colon.
  • Step 8: Final Inspection Following the dilation, the physician re-inspects the area of the stricture using the endoscope to confirm the success of the dilation and to check for any injuries or complications that may have occurred during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the colonoscopy through stoma with transendoscopic balloon dilation, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include instructions on dietary modifications, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications such as excessive bleeding or abdominal pain. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of their condition. It is essential to ensure that the patient understands the importance of reporting any unusual symptoms that may arise after the procedure.

Short Descr COLONOSCOPY W/DILATION
Medium Descr COLONOSCOPY STOMA W/BALLOON DILATION
Long Descr Colonoscopy through stoma; with transendoscopic balloon dilation
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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
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).
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2015-01-01 Added Added
1986-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"